FOUNDED in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is known to be one of the oldest Swiss luxury watchmaking manufactures. The timepieces created are thus steeped in heritage, with the Laureato being a fine example.
Two recent additions to the Laureato family underscore the very qualities that make Girard-Perregaux so well-loved – timeless appeal and bold innovation.
These new models are an ode to the inaugural version first launched in 1975, but they have been given a makeover of sorts that will surely excite the most self-respecting of watch connoisseurs.
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm Copper is a unisex watch with a fascinating dial. Depending on the available light source, different mesmerising shades are reflected by the Clous de Paris motif.
Although termed “copper”, it belies a more dynamic colour. The dial is able to transition from tawny brown to pink tone gold, and everything else in between.
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Green is no less breathtaking. This model’s verdant-tone dial – again, featuring the Clous de Paris motif – looks iridescent, shifting between virescent colours as the wrist moves.
Both models retain the Laureato design codes. An octagonal bezel sits atop a circular ring, which in turn, is positioned above an angular tonneau-shaped case.
Laureato watches are also known for embodying an exquisite interplay between polished and satin finished surfaces.
Beauty in the details
For the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm Copper, it is housed in a slender case just 10mm thin.
The self-winding movement, Calibre GP03300, is visible through the see-through case-back. Even with this, a plethora of refined details can be seen – perpetuating the watchmaker’s reputation for exquisite finishing.
Some components feature no less than four different decorations – ranging from bevelling, mirror-polishing, satin finish, snailing and sunray finish, to various engravings.
The bridges are decorated with straight Cotes de Geneve, and the pink gold oscillating weight is embellished with circular Cote de Geneve.
Calibre GP01800, which powers the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Green, is similarly beautiful.
The main plate housed in a 10.68mm thin case is adorned with circular graining, in addition to the usual exquisite detailing.
In all other aspects, both watches stay true to the Laureato’s timeless look. Baton-type hands and index indicate the time. They are treated with luminescent material, increasing readability in dim light.
While the 38mm Copper has a golden seconds hand which accentuates the watch’s warm glow, the 42mm Green sports a black flange contrasted against the vivid dial – a first for a Laureato with three hands.
A lesson in design
Interestingly, the Laureato was actually called the Quartz Chronometer at the time of its launch in 1975.
The watch would only later become known as “the graduate of the school of Girard-Perregaux” in Italy – conferring it the current name Laureato, meaning “graduate” in Italian.
This affectionate moniker served as an acknowledgement of the design’s prize-winning success and extraordinary precision.
Reading deeper into the symbolism, you can even say that how a Laureato’s octagonal bezel rests on the case is like a laurel crown sitting upon the head of a laureate.
In terms of being iconic, subtle changes have been made to the Laureato’s design over the years, but the essence of the original model is still retained.
In 1975, Girard-Perregaux released the fifth generation Laureato – which is what informs the new 38mm Copper and 42mm Green models.
There are some iconic cars, buildings and items of furniture produced during the 1970s that will always remain timeless exemplars of accomplished design.
The Laureato, an in-house design, is certainly a worthy member of this exclusive club.
