Strap for Girard-Perregaux Richeville Large Date Moon-Phases

Some watches set their own rules. The Girard-Perregaux Richeville Large Date Moon-Phases in 18K white gold is one of them—especially when the original strap architecture is part of the case design, not merely an attachment.

Over years of wear and daily load, the factory strap had lost its appearance and eventually failed structurally. The owner’s request was straightforward and, in fact, the most demanding: reproduce the original look as closely as possible. Black alligator leather, the same visual proportions, and the same seamless transition from the white-gold case to leather—without introducing anything “new” that would change the character of the watch.

The key to this model is hidden inside. The original strap contains metal inserts—support pieces that define geometry, ensure a dense fit to the case, and create that “gapless” integrated effect. Preserving this construction was essential. I carefully integrated the client’s original inserts into the new strap so the watch keeps its intended silhouette and the strap sits exactly as it should.

From there, the strap was built as a modern, technically refined object. The structure includes Jaeger reinforcements for controlled stability where it matters, while the overall profile is shaped with ergonomics in mind—an anatomical curvature that allows the strap to settle naturally on the wrist from the first wear. The lining is a black, hypoallergenic, water-resistant leather chosen for comfort in real use.

The finishing details remain understated, as the watch demands. The strap is hand-stitched with MeiSi Super Fine linen thread, and it is made to work with the original 18K white-gold clasp—because with a watch of this level, continuity is part of the value.

Hardware care (process note)

As part of the work, I performed delicate ultrasonic cleaning of the white-gold clasp hardware to restore cleanliness in recesses and contact zones. This is cleaning only — no polishing and no alteration of the original finish.
Related reading: Delicate ultrasonic cleaning of hardware without altering the original finish.