Building on the success of its 2022 release, the Laureato 38mm Copper, Girard-Perregaux is pleased to unveil an additional version of the watch featuring a diamond-set bezel. The mid-sized model is endowed with a copper-hued dial adorned with Clous de Paris. This three-dimensional horological vista exhibits an array of shades depending on the available light source. Gracing the bezel, a circlet of diamonds serves to frame the dial and further contributes to the model’s dynamic appearance. Remaining true to the legendary Laureato design, first seen in 1975, the case and integrated bracelet splendidly juxtapose different shapes to glorious affect.
Laureato, a masterful union of shapes since 1975
In 1975, Girard-Perregaux released a groundbreaking watch equipped with what was considered at the time a cutting-edge movement, the aptly named ‘Quartz Chronometer’. Completely developed in-house from the beginning, as was its design, the model immediately proved popular, especially in style-conscious Italy, one of the Maison’s most important markets at the time. Watch collectors in this country began referring to the model as the ‘the graduate (Laureato in Italian) of the school of Girard-Perregaux’. This affectionate name served as an acknowledgement of the model’s prize-winning success and extraordinary precision. Ultimately, the name was adopted by the Maison and has since become familiar to legions of watch aficionados.
From the outset, the design of the Laureato united a number of different shapes to form a distinctive, yet cohesive, look. Each Laureato comprises an octagonal bezel that sits atop a circular plinth which in turn is positioned above an angular tonneau-shaped case. But despite having geometric, clean-cut lines, the Laureato’s case also has a gentle character, reminiscent of a rock shaped by nature and devoid of harshness. Throughout the composition there is an exquisite interplay between polished and satin finished surfaces. Both finishes are clearly defined and discrete from one another, thereby optimising the effect. Lastly, the exterior is completed with an integrated bracelet that ergonomically hugs the wearer’s wrist, bestowing a comfortable fit. It is this assemblage of contrasting forms that has led to the Laureato’s unique profile, making it instantly recognisable when viewed from afar.
A dial exhibiting a myriad of shades
Housed in a 38mm steel case, this new mid-size timepiece is endowed with a copper-coloured dial, enriched with a Clous de Paris motif. This classical pattern, composed of multiple pyramidal structures, imbues the dial with a three-dimensional appearance. While the dial appears copper from some angles, it can sometimes appear ochre or resemble burnt oak as well as a myriad of shades in between. It is this dynamic character that confers tonal contrast and imparts lasting joy.
Baton-type hour and minute hands collaborate with matching indexes. Both the hands and indexes are lined with luminescent material and evince a white glow in dim light. The golden central sweep seconds hand sits in concert with the copper-hued dial and matches the GP logo located at 12 o’clock. An aperture, positioned adjacent the crown, presents the date in white text, set atop a copper-toned disc, matching the dominant dial hue as horological etiquette dictates.
A dial encircled with a diamond-set bezel
The octagonal bezel is set with 8 large stones at each corner with smaller stones positioned in between. Comprising 56 diamonds in total (∼ 0.90 ct), the facets of the diamonds toy with light. At first, they appear colourless; however, as the watch is rotated, the precious stones come alive, revealing every shade of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sparkling appearance of the diamonds is complemented by the polished central links of the integrated bracelet, heightening the model’s overall lustre.
An inner beauty
Housed in a slender case, just 10.02mm in height, the Laureato 38mm Copper Diamond Bezel is equipped with a self-winding movement, the Calibre GP03300. Visible via a see-through case-back, the movement is enriched with a plethora of refined details, perpetuating the Maison’s reputation for fine watches. The main plate is adorned with circular graining, while some components feature bevelling, mirror-polishing, satin finish, snailing, sunray finish and various engravings. The bridges are decorated with straight Côtes de Genève and the pink gold oscillating weight is embellished with circular Côtes de Genève. Lastly, the movement has a power reserve of at least 46 hours.
The story continues
The new Laureato 38mm Copper Diamond Bezel masterfully plays with light, tonal shades and different shapes and represents the latest chapter in the story of the Laureato; a legend that was born in 1975.
The Laureato 38mm Copper Diamond Bezel will go on sale in March and will be available worldwide in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers.
LAUREATO 38 MM COPPER DIAMOND BEZEL
Reference 81005-11S3320-1CM
Case
Material: steel set with 56 diamonds ~0.90 ct
Dimensions: 38.00 mm
Height: 10.02 mm
Glass: anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case-back: sapphire crystal
Dial: copper-coloured with a ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern, ‘baton’ type rhodium-plated indexes with luminescent material (white emission), gold-plated GP logo
Hands: ‘baton’ type hours and minutes hands with luminescent material (white emission), gold-plated central second hand
Water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)
Movement
Reference: GP03300-2034
Self-winding mechanical movement with pink gold oscillating weight
Diameter: 25,95 mm (111/2’’’)
Height: 3.36 mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4 Hz)
Number of components: 218
Number of jewels: 27
Power reserve: min. 46 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, central second, date
Bracelet
Material: steel, polished and satin finished
About Girard-Perregaux
Since 1791, Girard-Perregaux has been embracing the rhythm of ever-elusive time. Cradled in the Jura mountains in the heart of La Chaux-de-Fonds, it is a pioneer in the world of Haute Horlogerie: an independent Manufacture which has retained this status for over two centuries, successfully keeping all production in-house and passing down exceptional horological skills throughout the generations. The preservation of this savoir-faire, along with a sincere passion for beauty and for the art itself, has remained the key to Girard-Perregaux’s ability to continuously innovate.
Always seeking the perfect balance of beauty and functionality, fans of fine watchmaking will instantly recognise the house signatures, such as the iconic octagonal bezel of the Laureato and the legendary Tourbillon with ‘Three Gold Bridges’. From seeking to create industry references in timepieces to making the invisible visible through the art of precision engineering, Girard-Perregaux never ceases to change the course of time via pieces that are the first of their kind. This place at the vanguard of horological innovation is solidified by over one hundred recorded patents for original designs, like the movement of three arrow-shaped bridges, registered in 1884, as well as prizes like the ’Aiguille d’Or’ in 2013 and distinctions like the Gold Medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889.
Rooted in its heritage, Girard-Perregaux is driven by the instinct to always look ahead, embracing new technologies, utilising state-of-the-art materials, and finding inventive ways to bring joy by reimagining iconic shapes. To this end, Girard-Perregaux has remained a human-sized Manufacture, and in 2022 became part of an independent collective of Haute Horlogerie Manufactures alongside sister Maison Ulysse Nardin.
