Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm: Green is Positivity

What can be written about Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato that has not yet been written? Actually, much more than you think. Because the maison from La Chaux-de-Fonds can update one of the haute horlogerie classics by working on details – be it the case material or the case size, or even the color of the dial: it doesn’t take much to give the Laureato a new face, without betraying its modern spirit or sporty vocation.

Today we’ll focus on the color of the dial. Girard-Perregaux’s choice went to green, to match the reference with a 42 mm steel case – joining a trend that in recent years has seen this color paint the dials of dozens of watches of various shades, from high-end to mid-range models.

THERE IS ALWAYS A FIRST TIME

Certainly not a new trend, because in the 60s green had already started to be featured on interesting watches, such as those produced in East Germany. Girard-Perregaux understood the reason why this trend came back and is still ongoing nowadays: green instills harmony and hope and recalls the charm of nature, the first and greatest source of inspiration for design. And since the Laureato is a son of design, what better match for its dial than the most natural color of all?

As recently as last summer, a super luxurious model in rose gold came out, with an elegant onyx dial: now, for the first time, Girard-Perregaux has chosen green for a Laureato – and the result lives up to expectations. The Swiss brand has kept this color for the 42 mm reference, as the larger size of the dial helps to better highlight the specificity of the color, thanks to the skillful finish that enhances it.

THE LAUREATO TRADITION

The first 1975 Laureato played a leading role in the growing luxury sports watch segment. Its octagonal bezel, elegant lines, Clous de Paris dial and integrated steel bracelet triggered comparisons with other champions of this segment. However, unlike them, the Laureato was equipped with a slim and ultra-precise quartz movement.

After all, Girard-Perregaux pioneered the quartz movements mass production in the 1970s. Updated with mechanical complications in the 1980s and increased in size to 44 mm in 2003, the Laureato remained the same for nearly a decade until 2016, when a limited edition, the ref. 81000, was launched. Since the relaunch of the standard collection in 2017, the Laureato range has expanded to include skeleton models and chronographs, as well as perpetual calendars and classic three-hand timepieces with date.

The Laureato’s typical geometry is built on a tonneau-shaped case surmounted by a circular ring and an octagonal bezel on top. Designed to highlight the geometric juxtaposition, the finishes of the stainless-steel case and integrated bracelet alternate between polished and satin-brushed areas. With a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of 10.68, this reference’s only novelty is the green dial.

GIRARD-PERREGAUX: GREEN TINT AND EXCELLENT MECHANICS

The distinctive Clous de Paris finish combines the new, fresh color with a black rehaut: a novelty for the three-hand Laureato. To complement the rehaut, the applied baton hour markers are treated with black PVD and a thick white lume coating, and so are the hour and minute hands. The date window at 3 o’clock counterbalances the dial and the dark background with white numerals.

Inside the case of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42 mm with green dial (water resistant to 10 bar) is the GP01800 automatic movement (measuring 30 mm x 3.97 mm), with the rhodium-plated oscillating weight decorated with a circular Côtes de Genève motif. Other refined finishes, which can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back, include perlage on the base plate and straight Côtes de Genève on the bridges. Beating at 28,800 vibrations/hour, the movement has a maximum power reserve of 54 hours. 

To the enthusiasts’ delight, the 42 mm Laureato with green dial is part of a permanent collection – not a limited edition. Furthermore, the price is the same as the other 42 mm with steel case and bracelet, and blue, black or silver dials: 14,400 euros. The price highlights Girard-Perregaux’s attention to a passionate clientele; it would have been easy to use the enthusiasm for the trendy color to raise the retail price even slightly. But in La Chaux-de-Fonds they know that passion and respect for those who foster it are priceless. Something they have known for over 230 years.

By Davide Passoni