By Jovan Krstevski
Do you ever wonder who first started the revolution of high-end luxury sports watches? If you ask me, I can’t give you accurate answers since I will tell you the ones I prefer. Anyhow, when it comes to prestigious timepieces as long as the movements are hyper-precise to a tick, then it is good enough for me. Although I can’t but help myself to get curious about the 2016 rebirth of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato which undoubtedly is the pioneer for the concept of luxury sports watches back in the 1970s. The good part with rebirths is that designs usually don’t verge too far from the original concept so yeah I’m excited for the 2016 edition of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Vintage History Collection
As expected the 2016 edition takes plenty of inspirations from the early editions of the watch mainly the EVO 3 models. The watch also serves as a commemorative timepiece for the 225th anniversary of the watchmaker so going back to the roots is simply an honorable nod to its heritage. We also notice that the previous models of the watch have seen bumped up specs and larger cases but for the 2016 edition, the stainless steel case sports a more elegant size of 41 mm wide and 10.10 mm thickness for that classic luxurious sporty look. The design is simply superb sporting the original tonneau shape with an integrated bracelet that also features polished intermediate links on the bracelet complete with typical H-links. The smooth finish of the case is akin to a satin feel including the polished angles of the surrounding octagonal bezel and the subtle crown. Unlike the original models, the 2016 edition sports a better exhibition caseback that allows everyone to peek at the wonderful movement.
The dial which is available in blue and silver is quite fascinating to look at particularly its neat “clou de Paris” pattern. Being an elegant sporty watch, the dial is not cluttered with a lot of information, hence, we only see the 3 hands and the date at the traditional 3 o’clock. Thankfully, the polished baton hands and applied indexes are also coated with luminous paint for better readability. The design of the hands are just superb, very neat and very powerful. It would be so easy to show someone the time of the day without worrying so much about style or fashion plus the overall appeal of the watch is the right balance of masculinity.
As for the power of the 2016 Girard-Perregaux Laureato, GP uses its well-known in-house calibre 3300 automatic movement. It proudly sports its circular Geneva stripes and polished bevelled angles which can partly be seen through the exhibition caseback. Its high precision is courtesy of its 4Hz frequency movement sporting 46 hours of reliable power reserve.
Note that if you are interested with the 2016 Girard-Perregaux Laureato, better secure your own timepiece quickly because the watch remains a limited edition of only 225 pieces each.
For more info, please visit girard-perregaux.com
JOVAN KRSTEVSKI – FOUNDER, PROPRIETOR & EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Jovan Krstevski has been collecting watches every since his father bought him an Omega Seamaster back when he was just a teenager. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview and is one of the most widely read watch blogs on the Web. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. Read his articles here
