Girard-Perregaux Laureato Sage Green

The year is 1975. The sports watch industry is in its prime, fueled by a desire for wristwatches that could seamlessly transition from the boardroom to the racquetball court. It was within this dynamic landscape that Girard-Perregaux, a Swiss manufacture steeped in rich history, unveiled the Laureato. This groundbreaking timepiece broke the mold with its daring combination of a sporty octagonal bezel and an integrated bracelet, a design element that would become synonymous with the Laureato name.

Fast forward to 2024, and the Laureato continues to captivate watch enthusiasts with its perfect blend of sportiness and sophistication. This year, Girard-Perregaux adds two new chapters to the Laureato saga with the introduction of the Laureato 42mm Pink Gold Sage Green and Laureato 42mm Pink Gold Ultramarine Blue. These exquisite timepieces embody the spirit of the original Laureato while incorporating modern design sensibilities and the finest materials.



For watch connoisseurs, the allure of the Laureato Pink Gold Sage Green starts with the color itself. Sage green, a verdant hue reminiscent of the wisdom of a sage, perfectly complements the luxurious warmth of the 42mm pink gold case. The color appears to shift and change throughout the day, taking on a deeper emerald tone in certain lighting conditions and offering a lighter, more nuanced green under brighter light. This captivating effect is accentuated by the Clous de Paris hobnail pattern that graces the dial, adding a touch of texture and visual intrigue.

A closer look reveals the meticulous craftsmanship that is a hallmark of Girard-Perregaux timepieces. The 18k pink gold case is a study in contrasts, featuring a sophisticated blend of brushed and polished finishes. The octagonal bezel, a signature Laureato design element, sits atop a circular plinth, creating a visually arresting play on shapes. The watch is secured to the wrist with a luxurious pink gold integrated bracelet, ensuring a comfortable and stylish fit.



While the exterior of the Laureato Pink Gold Sage Green is undeniably captivating, the true magic lies within. The watch is equipped with the Calibre GP01800, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely designed, produced, assembled, and adjusted by Girard-Perregaux. This impressive feat of engineering boasts a 54-hour power reserve and features the brand’s signature Côtes de Genève decoration, a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every Girard-Perregaux creation.

Let's return our focus to that enchanting sage green dial. Its intricate Clous de Paris pattern lends a subtle but stunning textural quality, reminiscent of cobbled Parisian streets or the painstakingly arranged tiles of an ancient mosaic. This meticulous pattern plays with light and shadow, creating a dial that's both visually dynamic and calming to the eye – a feat that's harder to achieve than it might seem.



A closer examination reveals the applied gold-plated indexes and hands. These elements, catching the light superbly, ensure exceptional legibility in all conditions. Notice how they are subtly faceted and filled with luminescent material – thoughtful touches that speak to Girard-Perregaux's relentless pursuit of both beauty and functionality. Finally, the date window, executed in a matching sage green tone, rests discreetly at the 3 o'clock position, preserving the dial's perfect symmetry.

Turning the watch over unveils a sapphire crystal caseback offering a glimpse into the mechanical marvel that powers the Laureato Pink Gold Sage Green. The Calibre GP01800, entirely conceived and crafted in-house by Girard-Perregaux, is a testament to the manufacture's unwavering dedication to horological mastery. Its meticulously decorated components are clear evidence of traditional watchmaking savoir-faire.



The eye is immediately drawn to that mesmerizing pink gold oscillating rotor, adorned with the iconic Côtes de Genève, a striped pattern synonymous with high-end watchmaking. This rotor, spinning with the natural movements of your wrist, efficiently winds the automatic movement, ensuring a power reserve of at least 54 hours. That means you can take this watch off over a long weekend and it'll be right there waiting for you, ticking away flawlessly when you pick it back up on Monday morning.

While the Calibre GP01800 captivates with its beauty, it's ultimately there to do a job, and that's where Girard-Perregaux truly shines. The movement beats away at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), a smooth, high frequency that translates into rock-solid timekeeping precision. Of course, the hallmarks of any fine timepiece are present: hours, minutes, central seconds, and that tastefully executed date function we discussed previously.

The true test of any luxury watch lies in how it feels on the wrist. The Laureato Pink Gold Sage Green doesn't disappoint. That 42mm case wears surprisingly comfortably, a testament to Girard-Perregaux's mastery of ergonomics. The subtle curves and balanced proportions ensure a secure and comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes.



The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the integrated pink gold bracelet. With its seamless blend of brushed and polished surfaces, it feels as luxurious as it looks. Its links articulate smoothly, practically wrapping themselves around the wrist. The secure triple-folding clasp is engineered to the highest standards, with an audible and satisfying 'click' that lets you know your watch is safe and sound.

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Pink Gold Sage Green isn't merely a stunning timepiece; it's a continuation of a legacy that began nearly half a century ago. It's a testament to Girard-Perregaux's commitment to upholding tradition while embracing innovation. This watch, like the Laureatos that came before it, is destined to become a coveted collectible, a symbol of both enduring craftsmanship and the audacity to push boundaries. If you're searching for a watch that's at once bold yet refined, luxurious yet practical, the Laureato Pink Gold Sage Green deserves your serious consideration.