BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Even though Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest continuously operating Swiss watch manufacturers, the brand is undoubtedly underappreciated. Girard-Perregaux has over 230 years of experience, expertly utilizing light for the delight of watch connoisseurs. The high-frequency mechanical and quartz movements are among other noteworthy advancements in the watchmaking industry, as a result of continual research and advancements of Girard-Perregaux. However, conventional mechanical watches, which are primarily made in-house, continue to be their primary area of interest. The model that has taken the spotlight from their collections over the years is undoubtedly the revered Laureato, a design that was originally launched in 1975. The newest member to come out of the Laureato family of watches is Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38 mm Copper, a mid-sized, unisex model with a fascinating dial which we’ll explore here today.
It’s presented in a stainless steel case which has soft alternating satin and polished brushed surfaces for a varied highlight effect on the case. It measures in a rather compact 38 mm x 10 mm size profile. The Laureato’s mid-size profile allows it to be a unisex piece, avoiding gender prejudices and providing even more comfort to the wearer’s wrist than the larger 42mm one, which in itself wore very well due to Laureato’s case and lug design. Sapphire crystals protect the dial from the front and back, the case is water resistant to 100 meters / 330 feet.
The main attraction of the watch is the Clous de Paris or hobnail pattern copper dial which is quite simply enchanting to gaze upon. Multiple pyramidal structures make up this traditional pattern, which interacts with the light to create small pockets of brightness and shadow. The dial’s complexity is further highlighted by the interplay of light with the tiny pyramids, which produce a variety of color hues that range from reddish brown to pink-toned gold with various shades in between, adding to the dial’s dynamic character. The baton hands and the applied indexes are treated with Super-LumiNova and a gold-toned hand shows the seconds.
The proprietary automatic Caliber GP03300 drives the watch while beating at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offering a 46 hours power reserve, entrusted by a pink gold rotor. A triple-folding clasp holds the stainless steel bracelet in the shape of an H to the wrist. The MSRP of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38 mm Copper is set at USD 14,900 (excluding local sales taxes) or EUR 15,000 (including VAT).
Visit Girard-Perregaux here.
