Girard-Perregaux's unwavering commitment to precision, artistry, and innovation has solidified their position as one of the most esteemed watchmakers in the world. Their latest release, the Laureato 38 mm in Sage Green and Midnight Blue, is a testament to their dedication to crafting timepieces that embody both technical prowess and aesthetic refinement.
Girard-Perregaux's story began in 1791, in the heart of Swiss watchmaking, La Chaux-de-Fonds. Founded by Jean-François Bautte, the company quickly gained recognition for its exquisite pocket watches and intricate movements. In 1856, Constant Girard married Marie Perregaux, and their union led to the creation of Girard-Perregaux, a name that would become synonymous with horological excellence. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries,
Girard-Perregaux consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, introducing groundbreaking complications and designs that captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux
One of the most iconic creations to emerge from the Girard-Perregaux workshops is the Laureato. Born in 1975, the Laureato was a product of its time, reflecting the prevailing design trends of the era. Its distinctive octagonal bezel, seamlessly integrated with the case, and its meticulously crafted bracelet made it an instant classic. The Laureato's versatility and sporty elegance resonated with a wide audience, and it quickly became one of the brand's most sought-after models.
The Laureato's design has evolved over the years, but it has always remained true to its original spirit. The latest iteration, the Laureato 38 mm, is a perfect example of this. It retains the iconic octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, but it has been subtly refined to meet the demands of contemporary tastes. The case, measuring 38 mm in diameter, is crafted from stainless steel and features a slim profile of just 10 mm, making it suitable for both men and women. The watch's smooth, flowing lines and polished surfaces exude a sense of understated sophistication.
The dial of the Laureato 38 mm is a masterpiece of intricate detail. The "Clous de Paris" pattern, a signature element of the Laureato collection, adds a touch of texture and depth to the dial. The applied hour markers and hands are crafted with meticulous precision, ensuring optimal legibility. The date window, positioned at 3 o'clock, is discreetly integrated into the dial's design.
Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux
Girard-Perregaux has equipped the Laureato 38 mm with its in-house Calibre GP03300, a self-winding movement that exemplifies the brand's commitment to technical excellence. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement is a feast for the eyes. The bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève, a traditional decoration technique that adds a touch of refinement. The oscillating weight, crafted from pink gold, is embellished with circular graining, another testament to the brand's attention to detail.
The Laureato 38 mm is available in two captivating dial colors: Sage Green and Midnight Blue. The Sage Green dial evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, while the Midnight Blue dial exudes an air of mystery and sophistication. Both dials are complemented by rhodium-plated hands and hour markers, which provide a subtle contrast against the rich background.
The Laureato 38 mm is fitted with a stainless steel bracelet that seamlessly integrates with the case. The bracelet's intricate design, featuring a combination of polished and satin-finished surfaces, adds a touch of visual interest. The triple-folding buckle ensures a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux
Let's start with the case. Crafted from stainless steel, the case measures a versatile 38 mm in diameter, a size that strikes the perfect balance between understated presence and everyday wearability. The case's slim profile, measuring just 10 mm in thickness, ensures that it sits comfortably on the wrist and slides effortlessly under a shirt cuff. The case's construction is a testament to Girard-Perregaux's meticulous attention to detail. The surfaces are a combination of polished and satin-finished facets, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The iconic octagonal bezel, a hallmark of the Laureato collection, is seamlessly integrated into the case, adding a touch of geometric sophistication.
The dial of the Laureato 38 mm is a study in refined simplicity. The "Clous de Paris" pattern, a hobnail texture composed of tiny pyramids, adds a subtle depth and complexity to the dial's surface. This intricate pattern, a signature element of the Laureato collection, creates a mesmerizing play of light that captivates the eye. The dial is available in two captivating colors: Sage Green and Midnight Blue. The Sage Green dial evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, its subtle hue reminiscent of verdant landscapes. The Midnight Blue dial, on the other hand, exudes an air of mystery and sophistication, its deep, rich tone reminiscent of a starlit night sky.
Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux
The hour markers and hands of the Laureato 38 mm are crafted with meticulous precision, ensuring optimal legibility. The "baton" type indexes, applied to the dial, are rhodium-plated, providing a subtle contrast against the dial's background. The hands, also rhodium-plated, are designed to complement the indexes, creating a harmonious visual balance. The date window, positioned at 3 o'clock, is discreetly integrated into the dial's design, maintaining the dial's clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
At the heart of the Laureato 38 mm beats the Calibre GP03300, an in-house movement that exemplifies Girard-Perregaux's unwavering commitment to technical excellence. This self-winding movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, is a testament to the brand's mastery of horological craftsmanship. The movement's bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève, a traditional decoration technique that adds a touch of refinement. The oscillating weight, crafted from pink gold, is embellished with circular graining, another testament to the brand's attention to detail.
The Calibre GP03300 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring accurate timekeeping. The movement comprises 218 components, each meticulously crafted and assembled by skilled watchmakers. With a power reserve of at least 46 hours, the Laureato 38 mm is a reliable companion for everyday wear.
Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux
Completing the Laureato 38 mm's refined aesthetic is its stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet's intricate design, featuring a combination of polished and satin-finished surfaces, echoes the case's dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The bracelet's links are meticulously articulated, ensuring a comfortable and supple fit on the wrist. The triple-folding buckle provides a secure closure, while also adding a touch of visual interest.
The Laureato 38 mm is priced at $14,900, a reflection of its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It's a watch that represents a significant investment, but one that will undoubtedly reward its owner with years of enjoyment and appreciation. The Laureato 38 mm is a timepiece that transcends trends, a watch that will remain relevant and stylish for decades to come. It's a watch that embodies the essence of Girard-Perregaux, a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological innovation while remaining true to its rich heritage.