Peacock 1950 & 1953 Compete in 2025 GPHG

Peacock Watches proudly announces that its Perfection Classic 1950 and 1953 models have been shortlisted for the 2025 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Competing Watches. The 1950 is a finalist in the Chronograph category, while the 1953 competes in Challenge. This double nomination underscores Peacock’s commitment to haute horlogerie and craftsmanship on the global stage.

PEACOCK 1950 (Chronograph Category)

The GPHG notes that the Peacock 1950 “traces its origin to Chinese military watches from the 1950s and 1960s, embodying 67 years of profound craftsmanship in Chinese chronographs”. Peacock’s own description emphasizes this heritage: after “meticulous refinement, it proudly stands as China’s first high-end military chronograph”. The 38.5 mm steel watch houses an in-house PAX8610 hand-wound chronograph movement (≈38 h power reserve), combining vintage military style with modern finishing.

• Historical Dial: The 1950’s dial features a classic “rail-track” minute scale and an outer “cannonball” chronograph ring (a nod to old pocket watches). Its Arabic numerals are “meticulously carved using the chiseling technique” – one of China’s traditional crafts – giving the dial authentic calligraphic character.
• Engineering: Peacock’s PAX8610 caliber is based on the vintage Venus 175, with a horizontal clutch and column-wheel architecture. The movement is highly finished (Geneva stripes, swan-neck regulator, etc.), and the watch even includes an innovative rangefinding bezel. This feature – inspired by historical artillery instruments – is described by Peacock as “a wearable tribute to the courage and precision of soldiers”.
• Finishing & Styling: The 316L steel case is dual-brushed and polished, with a very thin “narrow eyeliner” bezel that makes the dial appear larger. Peacock’s signature flame-blued steel hands (achieved by heating each hand over an open flame) add a pop of classic blue. A supple Novonappa calf-leather strap is hand-stitched with waxed thread, rounding out the refined military look.

PEACOCK 1953 (Challenge Category)

According to GPHG, the Peacock 1953 “draws design inspiration from the classic original ‘airplane hands’ of China’s ‘Hongqi Watch’ in the 1970s”. Peacock channels that legacy with its own “Red Flag Hand” seconds pointer. This 38.5 mm automatic watch has a slim profile (9.4 mm thick) and a striking green sunburst dial inspired by the Yalu River. Notably, the seconds hand is made of hand-flame-blued titanium: it “exhibit[s] an elegant blue-purple hue”, vividly recalling early aviation instrument panels.

• Iconic ‘Aircraft’ Hand: The defining feature is the sculpted second hand, a tribute to the 1970s Hongqi “aircraft” design. Each curved titanium hand is individually fired at high temperature to achieve its shifting blue-purple tone. Peacock’s updated version, the “Red Flag Hand,” retains the vintage curved silhouette but with sharper angles – symbolizing China’s heritage and renewal.
• Thematic Dial: The gradient green dial “takes color from the deep green of the Yalu River”, fading from dark to emerald green under light. Its raised Arabic numerals are brand-new originals, again “inspired by chisel carving” to echo ancient calligraphy. Even the date wheel carries meaning: at 6 o’clock the date disc shows a tiny “Yalu River Bridge” motif on the 19th and a peace-dove on the 27th, reinforcing the model’s theme of peace and progress.
• Construction & Finish: The 1953 uses Peacock’s self-winding PAX6910 movement (≈38 h reserve) in a 904L “aerospace” steel case. The 904L alloy (with extra Ni, Cr, Mo) is harder and more corrosion-resistant than standard steel, with finely chamfered edges. A plush hand-stitched Novonappa calf-leather strap completes the vintage aviation look. This limited edition (80 pieces) blends rich storytelling with meticulous craftsmanship – in Peacock’s words, this watch is indeed “not just a watch – it’s a legacy on your wrist.”

These GPHG nominations celebrate Peacock’s blend of historical tribute and fine watchmaking. Both the 1950 and 1953 stand out as collectible pieces – limited editions that honor Chinese horological heritage while meeting the exacting standards of modern aficionados.