The Girard-Perregaux Laureato returns as a complete collection

First introduced in 1975, the Laureato was among the bellwethers of the sports elegance watch: timepieces that place a premium on versatility, and express this value both aesthetically and technically. The watch’s design codes were firmly established from the get-go and, as proof of their timelessness, remain largely unchanged today. For a start, there’s the dial decorated with a Clous de Paris guilloche pattern which is, in turn, framed by a layered bezel consisting of a rounded octagon set atop a circle. This play with shapes and juxtaposition of straight lines and curves appear faintly architectural, and rightly so: Girard-Perregaux attributes the bezel’s design to a Milan-based architect who was involved in the watch’s creation. There’s also the integrated case and bracelet design, then one of the world’s first.

The original Laureato from 1975 that started it all.

In the subsequent years, new models of the Laureato concentrated largely on incremental changes to its design, such as a new format for the bracelet’s links. Following a brief hiatus, the Laureato was reintroduced last year in a limited run of 225 pieces, as part of celebrations for Girard-Perregaux’s 225^th anniversary. The watch then returned as a full-fledged collection this year, when the manufacture unveiled over 30 references of the watch across four models at SIHH. A fifth model featuring a skeletonised movement was added shortly after.

2017’s Laureato 42mm in steel.

The new women’s model, sized at 34mm.

For Girard-Perregaux, the Laureato’s return marks a return to its roots, although the brand balances this by retaining its cutting edge product development, with notable developments including its own constant escapement. The brand will be making its rounds to communicate on and share the history and patrimony of the Laureato in the coming months, so watch this space as we update you with the latest activities that the manufacture has planned.

Click here to discover more of Girard-Perregaux watches.

For more information, please schedule an appointment with our Sales Consultant here.