Two years after its return to the Girard-Perregaux collections, the Laureato is writing a new chapter in its history with the introduction of an enriched range of chronographs. In this natural and eagerly awaited extension of an eminently sporting chic collection, the Laureato once again demonstrates the strength and relevance of the design of this iconic watch, born in 1975.
With a 42 mm case that is very proportionate for its design, the new Laureato Chronograph ref. 81020 is available on bracelet or alligator strap —with the exception of the rose gold model only available on alligator strap— and with three different dial options for the stainless steel models —panda, blue and black with blue chrono registers— for the stainless steel models. Meanwhile, the 18K rose gold model ref. 81020-52-432-BB4A is only available with a queen blue dial in an almost identical hue to the dial on the first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25721ST we explained here.
Things to Know About the Watch
The new Laureato Chronograph is a very nice looking watch but with too much resemblance to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph. While they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattering, when it comes to watches, it feels more like a brand is trying too hard to become like its competitors and this is not the first time that Girard-Perregaux has tried to follow AP's footsteps way too closely —the Laureto Skeleton is another good example of that imitation that's been going on for a while.
Regardless of the above, the watches are very nice and its dials are nicely finished with a 'Clous de Paris' raised guilloché pattern, snailed chrono registers at 3, 6 and 9; date aperture between 4 and 5 o'clock, blued applied markers with luminescent material, blued hour and minute hands and a contrasting white minute track.
The references are as follows: Black dial with blue registers on stainless steel bracelet ref. 81020-11-631-11A, Black dial with blue registers on blue alligator strap ref. 81020-11-631-BB6A, Blue dial on blue strap ref. 81020-11-431-BB4A, Blue dial on stainless steel bracelet ref. 81020-11-431-11A and Panda dial with black alligator strap ref. 81020-11-131-BB6A and Panda dial with stainless steel bracelet ref. 81020-11-131-11A.
The Case & Bracelet
Case is satin brushed finished with octagonal screwed-in pushers and screw-down crown with octagonal shape and ridged surround. The bracelet is very well finished and feels quite robust and is equipped with a deployant double folding clasp.
As far a the alligator strap goes, the strap is very well made and it connects to the case by an end link that looks almost like the end link on the Patek Philippe Nautilus straps. The straps are secured by a double folding clasp in matching metal with apparent pin buckle.
The Movement
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph is powered by the automatic chronograph movement calibre GP03300-0138. Distinguished by its power reserve and the particularly smooth chrono activation of its pushers. Composed of 419 parts and 63 jewels, the movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 46 hours. While this movement is not an in-house chronograph movement with column wheel, there is very little jerking on the running seconds hand when activating the chronograph. Unfortunately the movement is protected by a solid case back and not visible at all. The Laureato Chronograph is water resistant to 100 meters.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph ref. 81020 wears true to its size and with great wrist presence. For the price, not a bad option for those seeking a sporty yet elegant look in a chronograph that is well executed and that has a similar look to that of the AP Royal Oak. While the GP Laureato line might not be an Audemars Piguet timepiece, we can tell you that the finishing and the pedigree is for sure there.
Sticker Price $13,500 USD stainless steel w/strap, $14,300 USD stainless steel w/bracelet and $32,100 USD for 18K rose gold w/strap. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.
