October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

An Uncommon Girard-Perregaux: The F1-047 Chronograph

The Ferrari-era Girard-Perregaux F1-047 pairs an aluminum case and carbon-fiber dial with a GP 2280 chronograph. Here is what records establish—and what a buyer should verify.
Estimate4–5 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Girard-Perregaux F1-047 is a Ferrari-era automatic chronograph, catalogued as reference 4955 and generally dated to around 2002. Its 40 mm aluminum case and carbon-fiber dial make it an unusual member of the brand’s Ferrari-associated watch line. The movement is identified as GP 2280, while its often-repeated production figure of 100–200 watches remains an estimate rather than a confirmed factory total.

What is the Girard-Perregaux F1-047?

The F1-047 belongs to Girard-Perregaux’s Ferrari-associated watch collaboration, which Christie’s places between 1993 and 2004. Christie’s catalogues a reference 4955 F1 047 circa 2002; watch author Ming Thein places its release around early 2002. The auction record and an Antiquorum catalogue both give a 40 mm case diameter. Christie’s describes an automatic watch with a carbon-fiber dial and titanium buckle, while Antiquorum identifies an aluminum case, rubber strap and caliber 2280.

The model is visually distinctive without relying on prominent Ferrari branding. Christie’s says the F1-047 usually lacks a visible Ferrari name on the dial and case, although its catalogued example had a prancing-horse emblem on the titanium buckle. Thein’s example instead had a GP-marked buckle, with no Ferrari wording beyond the model reference. Those different details are a reminder that examples should be assessed individually.

Dial and case details

The carbon-fiber dial is a defining feature. Thein describes a visible woven texture, matte chronograph subdials, luminous hands and numerals, a tachymeter scale and a date window around 4:30. These are observations of his watch, not a guarantee that every surviving example has precisely the same appearance or configuration.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
About Vintage 1960 Racing Chronograph Watch for Men - Steel Mens Watch - 316L Stainless Steel, Analog, Quartz, 10 ATM Waterproof Men Watches - Round Sapphire Crystal Dial Men Watch (Steel/Off White)
  • Exquisite Craftsmanship: Elevate your style with our 1960 Racing Chronograph Mens Watches These stainless steel watches for men are meticulously crafted with 316L high precision surgical-grade stainless steel and MIYOTA 6S20 CHRONOGRAPH Movement

The aluminum case is also the source of a persistent story: that the metal came from a used Ferrari Formula One engine block. Thein explicitly treats that origin as unconfirmed, and Christie’s catalogue does not prove it. It should be regarded as collector lore, not an established manufacturing fact.

What movement is in the F1-047?

The F1-047 is identified with Girard-Perregaux caliber GP 2280 by Thein’s owner account and Antiquorum’s catalogue. Thein describes it as an ETA 2892A2 base fitted with a Dubois-Depraz 2021 chronograph module. This is the movement identification supported for the F1-047 by those sources.

Rank #2
About Vintage Mens Watch - 1960 Racing Chronograph White Black
  • RACING CHRONOGRAPH DESIGN: The 1960 Racing Chronograph watch features a striking off-white and black panda dial, capturing the golden era of motorsport with modern precision.
  • PRECISE QUARTZ MOVEMENT: Powered by a highly accurate quartz chronograph movement, this analog watch ensures perfect timekeeping and reliable stopwatch functionality for men.
  • DOMED SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL: Fitted with a scratch-resistant domed sapphire crystal and anti-reflective coating, offering unparalleled optical clarity and protection against wear.
  • PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL: Crafted from high-grade 316L stainless steel, the watch case provides a robust, premium feel that resists daily wear for long-lasting performance.
  • EVERYDAY VERSATILITY: Boasting a 5 ATM water resistance rating, this classic sports watch handles daily splashes and perfectly complements both casual and formal attire.

Care is warranted when checking listings: a Manfredi Jewels listing titled “Chronograph Pour Ferrari in Aluminum” gives reference 49550.0.10.6656 and a GP3370 movement, rather than GP 2280. That listing does not establish the F1-047’s movement specification; confirm the exact reference and watch identity before relying on a seller’s description.

How rare is the F1-047?

Christie’s and Thein each give an estimated production of 100–200 F1-047 examples. Neither figure is a manufacturer-confirmed production total, so the careful description is “estimated at 100–200,” not a definitive count.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
About Vintage 1960 Racing Chronograph Mens Watch, Stainless Steel, (Steel/Midnight Blue, 40mm)
  • Exquisite Craftsmanship Elevate your style with our 1960 Chronograph Mens Watches These stainless steel watches for men are meticulously crafted using top-tier components like a 316L High Precision Stainless Steel 40 mm Case and a Miyota 6S20 Quartz Movement
  • Timeless Elegance: Our chronograph watches for men seamlessly blend minimalistic aesthetics with a touch of sophistication The stainless steel watch has a Leather Strap and the Round Sapphire Crystal Glass with Anti-reflective Coating
  • Waterproof Reliability: Our dress watches for men are not just for show it's a versatile companion suitable for rain and showers Tested waterproof for 10 ATM / 330 feet / 100 meters you can trust these casual watches for men
  • Elegant Presentation: Every chronograph luxury watch men arrives in our exclusive and stylish wooden box The packing of these mens dress watches not only enhances the gifting experience but also serves as a secure storage solution
  • Peace of Mind Warranty; When you invest in our About Vintage watches men you're investing in quality; That's why we offer a generous 2-year warranty on defects giving you confidence in your purchase of quartz watches for men

The aluminum F1-047 is often discussed alongside the titanium F1-048. Thein calls them siblings and notes that both are referred to as reference 4955 in his account. He and Christie’s put the F1-048’s production at 1,000 examples, but the available accounts do not provide a complete factory comparison sheet or document the F1-047 as an official prototype or pre-series model. That status is a collector view, not a verified factory designation.

For a comparison, prioritize the specific watch’s documented reference, movement, case material and condition over assumptions based on the family resemblance. The sources establish aluminum for the 047 and titanium for the 048, but individual originality and service history still need to be checked.

Rank #4
Sale
RAINTEN Chronograph Watch, Mechanical for Men, Case 40mm, Seagull St19
  • RACING-INSPIRED DUAL-LAYER DIAL—— Inspired by racing dashboards, the bold dual-layer dial delivers depth and clarity, featuring applied hour markers and a CD-textured chronograph subdial for easy reading in everyday wear.
  • HAND-WOUND MECHANICAL CHRONOGRAPH—— Powered by the ST19 hand-wound chronograph movement. This mechanical watch does not use a battery—manual winding is required for normal operation and precise timing.
  • DAILY MANUAL WINDING RITUAL—— To keep the watch running, gently rotate the crown clockwise about 15–20 turns each day. When resistance is felt, winding is complete—an engaging, hands-on mechanical experience.
  • FUNCTIONAL CHRONOGRAPH WITH TACHYMETER—— Equipped with a mechanical chronograph and tachymeter scale for measuring speed over distance, inspired by classic motorsport instrumentation.
  • COMFORTABLE FIT & EASY STRAP SWITCHING—— 40 mm case diameter with a 12.4 mm thickness offers balanced wrist presence. Lug width is 20 mm, paired with quick-release straps (120 + 80 mm) for easy daily switching between styles.

What varies between F1-047 examples?

Published examples do not support a single checklist of supposedly correct external details. Thein reports watches with differing crown and pusher materials and with printed, engraved or blank casebacks. His own example had an aluminum caseback, titanium crown and pushers, and a GP-marked titanium buckle. Christie’s examined a watch with a personalized caseback and titanium crown and pushers.

As a result, a buckle emblem or caseback treatment alone should not be treated as proof of authenticity or inauthenticity. Compare the complete watch with reliable records and have a qualified specialist assess the particular example.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sugess Chrono Hertiage SUCHP005Z Brown Racing Leather ST1901 Mechanical Chronograph Mens Wrist Pilot Watch Seagull 1963
  • Gold Swan Neck Regulator
  • Column Wheel Chronograph
  • Luminous Hands
  • Blue steel screws
  • Exhibition Case Back Cover
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to inspect before buying one

Aluminum case condition

Aluminum can show corrosion and pitting. Thein reported pitting on his own example and said Girard-Perregaux had replaced cases at one point; that is one owner’s account, not evidence that replacement cases are still available. Inspect the case closely, including edges and surfaces, and ask for clear photographs and documented service details.

Chronograph operation and service

Thein also reported chronograph-seconds stutter and tight pusher action on his watch. These are inspection points, not established defects affecting every F1-047. Check the chronograph functions and pusher feel, and arrange an assessment by a watchmaker familiar with the movement. Antiquorum described its catalogued example’s movement as very good while recommending an overhaul at the buyer’s expense; an auction condition grade is not a substitute for a current service assessment.

Strap fit

Thein reports a 21 mm strap fitting with curved ends and says suitable options are limited. He successfully used a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor strap on his watch, but that does not establish universal compatibility. Before buying a replacement, verify both the width and the curved-end geometry against the individual watch; a generic 21 mm strap may not fit.

Records and value

Antiquorum’s Hong Kong catalogue for a February 27, 2020 auction showed an estimate of HKD 14,100–19,500, also stated as USD 1,800–2,500. That is a historical auction estimate, not a current valuation or a reliable guide to what a particular watch should cost today. Condition, originality, service documentation and the exact configuration matter; seek current comparable sales and a specialist’s assessment rather than extrapolating from that old estimate.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Sources and records

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1How to Best Sell Your Watch: Choose the Right Channel for Your GoalBlogEstimate 7–9 min
  2. Lot2Spring-Bars and NATOs: A Practical Guide to Watch Straps, Buckles and BarsBlogEstimate 6–8 min
  3. Lot3A Philosophical Guide to Building the Perfect Watch CollectionBlogEstimate 6–8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.