Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm, a sleeper in steel
Nick KenyonEditor’s note: In the world of luxury steel sports watches, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato family is underrated. More than two centuries since they started making watches, the Laureato is made by a brand that has some of the richest history in horology. In that time, Girard-Perregaux have added significantly to the art of mechanical watchmaking, with their three golden bridges tourbillon movement and their design of the first high-frequency watch which beats ten times per second.
The Laureato family is also dripping in a ’70s charm that stems from the mix of curves and angles, and the blending of polished and brushed surfaces for an eye-catching finish on a watch. In terms of scarcity, Girard-Perregaux also produce significantly fewer watches than the other big players in the steel sports watch game. They manufacture approximately 10,000 watches per year, next to 40,000 from Audemars Piguet and 50,000 from Patek Philippe. All things considered, the Laureato represents a sleeper, which at the moment is vastly underappreciated by much of the watch buying community.
A little while ago, we put together a list of luxury sports watches and it went – to use a technical term – bananas. There’s something about the combination of utility and exclusivity that really appeals to people. And as I look down at the Laureato on my wrist as I type this, I can honestly say, I get it. Sure, tool-like dive watches and sporty chronographs fill a place in our watch-loving hearts that crave functionality and purpose, but a watch like the Laureato offers something more. Purpose and practicality, with ample lashings of beauty. I mean, just look at how that Clous de Paris dial, or those bracelet links, blaze in the light. This watch looks good in pictures, but it comes alive on the wrist.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Australian Pricing
Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm, in steel on bracelet, $16,080