Mastering light
La Chaux-de-Fonds, October 20th, 2022 (10AM CET) - Girard-Perregaux is pleased to unveil the Laureato 38mm Copper, a mid-sized, unisex model with a fascinating dial. Termed `copper' the appearance of the dial is complex and dynamic, evincing different shades depending on the available light source.
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An appreciation of light
La Chaux-de-Fonds is the home of Girard-Perregaux as well as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The city has been dedicated to watchmaking since the 18th century. The streets, arranged in a grid-like pattern, are lined with tall buildings fitted with large windows. The architecture of the city was purposely designed to capture available natural light, a useful resource when working at a watchmaker's bench. For over 230 years, Girard-Perregaux has appreciated the value of natural light and its positive influence on the timepieces it continues to produce.
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Viewing an image of the dial does not adequately convey how it looks when affixed to the wrist. While the dial is termed 'copper', its dynamic character is far more complex, transitioning from tawny brown to pink-toned gold with multiple shades in between.
Reintroducing the 38mm with a new dial but reassuringly Laureato
Captivating onlookers with its metallic-themed dial, the Laureato 38mm Copper is mid-sized and unisex, sidestepping gender stereotypes. Baton-type hands and index enunciate the hours and minutes. These elements uphold the Laureato's timeless design language, much loved by purists since the inaugural model was unveiled in 1975. Both the hands and indexes are treated with luminescent material, augmenting readability in dim light.
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Although the Laureato 38mm Copper is unequivocally new, its origins remain clear to see. The beloved octagonal bezel and fluid-like integrated bracelet, cascading downwards around the wrist, are signature details which continue to endure. Encased in stainless steel, the Laureato is a byword for versatility, proving suitable for all roles, whether sporty, casual or formal. It is this consistent approach to design which has endowed the Laureato with an ageless appearance that has remained immune to changing fashions.
An inner beauty
Housed in a slender case, just 10mm in height, the Laureato 38mm Copper is equipped with a self-winding movement, the Calibre GP03300. Visible via a see-through case-back, the in-house movement is enriched with a plethora of refined details, perpetuating the Maison's reputation for exquisite finishing.
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Laureato, a lesson in design
In terms of design, the 1970s were extraordinary. Creativity imbued a variety of objects with timeless aesthetics and notable functionality. This prowess for design was manifest with the styling of several highly original watches and the era continues to be acknowledged for its visionary approach to design. Indeed, during this era, several prestigious brands released watches encased in steel with integrated bracelets. However, only a few designs from this period have retained their eye appeal despite the onset of years.
From the outset, the design of the Laureato united a number of different shapes to form a distinctive, yet cohesive, look. Each Laureato comprises an octagonal bezel that sits atop a circular ring which in turn is positioned above an angular tonneau-shaped case. But despite having geometric, clean-cut lines, the Laureato's case also has a gentle character, reminiscent of a rock shaped by nature and devoid of harshness. Throughout the composition there is an exquisite interplay between polished and satin finished surfaces. Both finishes are clearly defined and discrete from one another, thereby optimising the effect. Lastly, the exterior is completed with an integrated bracelet that ergonomically hugs the wearer's wrist, bestowing a comfortable fit. It is this assemblage of contrasting forms that has led to the Laureato's unique profile, making it instantly recognisable when viewed from afar.
At the time of its launch in 1975, the inaugural watch was called the 'Quartz Chronometer'. However, in Italy, the model soon became known among the cognoscenti as the the graduate (Laureato in Italian) of the school of Girard-Perregaux'. This affectionate name served as an acknowledgement of the model's prize-winning success and extraordinary precision. Ultimately, the name was adopted by the Maison. Coincidentally, the octagonal bezel sits atop the case, like a laurel crown sits upon the head of a laureate.
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There are some iconic buildings, cars and items of furniture produced during the 1970s that will always remain timeless exemplars of accomplished design. The Laureato, an in-house design, could be considered a worthy member of this exclusive club.
Swiss know-how
Innovation has always been at the heart of Girard-Perregaux's culture ever since it was founded in 1791. During the 1970s, the Swiss brand was at the vanguard of quartz timekeeping, a technology that promised a future of unprecedented precision. In fact, the frequency of 32,768 Hz was set by the Maison and subsequently adopted as the universal standard for quartz watches.
It was perhaps inevitable that the inaugural Laureato of 1975 was equipped with an in-house, COSC-certified quartz movement, the Calibre 705. During this period, most of the traditional Swiss watchmaking industry was in decline, ill-prepared for the shift to battery-powered timepieces.
Quartz watches remain attractive to many clients, however, Girard-Perregaux has also produced in-house mechanical movements for over 230 years, a claim few other watch brands can make. In 1995, as mechanical watchmaking began to enjoy a renaissance, Girard-Perregaux released the Laureato 8010 fitted with an in-house automatic calibre. Today, the Laureato 34mm is fitted with a quartz movement, while the 38mm, 42mm and 44mm models all feature in-house mechanical movements.
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TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Model: LAUREATO 38MM Copper
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Reference: 81005-11-3154
Movement
Calibre GP01800-2034
Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 25.95mm (111/2’’’)
Height: 3.36mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4Hz)
Number of components: 218
Number of jewels: 27
Power reserve: min. 46 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case
Material: Steel, polished and satin finished
Diameter: 38.00mm
Height: 10.00mm
Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case-back: Sapphire crystal
Dial
Sunray copper with a 'Clous de Paris' pattern,
Hands: 'baton' type rhodium-plated indexes with luminescent material (white emission), gold-plated GP logo
Water resistance: 100 metres (10ATM)
Bracelet
Bracelet Material: steel, polished and satin finished
🔴Retail price
GBP 11’500 / CHF 14’200 / USD 14’900 / EUR 15’000
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Press release - 2022
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Girard-Perregaux Press Contact :
Leopoldo Celi
Head of Communication and Brand Image
+41 (0)79 303 50 72
leopoldo.celi@girard-perregaux.com
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Press Contact:
Manager: Steve Cooper
Senior Partner Media Officer
+44 7408 807885
mailto:Stephen.Cooper@astonmartinf1.com
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