Watch Review: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 

Girard-Perregaux was founded in 1791 and is best known for its tourbillon with three gold bridges. 

Girard-Perregaux Three Bridges. Image: Girard-Perregaux

The Laureato is the brand's sport watch and though it might remind you of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or Patek Philippe Nautilus, it was not designed by the famous Gerald Genta, but rather by an Italian by the name of Adolfo Natalini. The word 'Laureato' means 'graduate' in Italian.

Adolfo Natalini - designer of the GP Laureato. Image: Dezeen

The Laureato was introduced in 1975, which is a few years after the Royal Oak and its release came before the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Vacheron Constantin 222.

Timeline of timepieces from the holy trinity vs. GP Laureato

Much like these staples from the holy trinity, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato features a beautiful integrated bracelet.

The case is made from stainless steel, is both polished and brushed and comes in at a comfortable 42mm, which seems to be the perfect fit for my just-over 7 inch wrist.

The Laureato wraps around my wrist graciously thanks to the 11.90mm slim case profile and the H-shaped links drastically taper and slim down to shorter end links that attach to the butterfly deployment clasp. The clasp is easy to operate and works wonderfully.

The half links adjoining the clasp can be used for fine-tuning and if you prefer, you can also switch this watch onto a leather or rubber strap of your choice. 

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph on my just-over 7 inch wrist

H-Shaped links on the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Bracelet

Side profile of the bracelet. Half-links joining the clasp.

Butterfly deployment clasp on the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph

Today's market is saturated with a wide range of integrated sports watches from a variety of different manufacturers to choose from. They all come in at different price points. 

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Alternatives

The Laureato Chronograph distinguishes itself with select Girard-Perregaux design cues that have become a signature of the brand. The most attractive feature of this watch has to be its Clous de Paris dial, which translated to English means "Nails of Paris" - describing the decorative technique used to create the hobnail pattern on the dial. You need to see it in person to appreciate how each of the pyramids reflect and absorb light.

To add to this effect, the chronograph sub-dials are decorated with a circular pattern and the dial is accented with blue hour markers and hands, which sometimes blend in and appear to be black.

All these intricate details create several layers that cumulate to achieve a beautiful dial with plenty of depth and character. The black and silver dial is nicknamed the "panda" for obvious reasons. 

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato's dial

If you set out on an adventure and find yourself in the dark, this watch has your back as the hands and hour markers are coated in superluminova.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Lume. Image: Girard-Perregaux

Continue your adventure into the depths of the sea and have piece of mind as the Laureato can be your companion down to 100m and since the steel is 904L graded, it has a higher chromium content increasing resistance to corrosion, which is exactly what is needed to combat the effects of saltwater.

The caseback of the watch is closed which is not surprising given its a chronograph, and it is decorated with a brushed centre finish with engravings. This is a shame because beneath it lies an in-house Caliber GP03300 movement with exemplary finishing including “Côtes de Genève”, chamfering and straight graining, all stemming from the multiple skills cultivated within the GP Manufacture.

The watch offers a decent 46 hour power reserve and a date display to complement the chronograph.

Closed Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Caseback

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Movement. Image: Girard-Perregaux

The Laureato Chronograph is currently only available in 42mm, with a choice of several different dial colours: silver, black, navy and green. There's also a variant with a solid gold case, which is absolutely stunning.

Priced at 19,600 EUR, 15,800 GBP, 18,600 USD or CHF 17'700 as of November 2023, this watch is a value proposition when compared to its counterparts from Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. The finishing of this watch is not quite to the level of the holy trinity, but you're paying significantly less for a watch that has as rich a history, with a significant bonus of it being discreet.

This watch has been hidden away in the shadows, reserved for true enthusiasts and collectors with impeccable taste. If Girard-Perregaux continues to improve its marketing, the masses might wake up and start appreciating this watch for what it is, so it might be a wise move to get your hands on one of these whilst they are still readily available and out of the limelight.

Personally, I think its a stunning understated watch, that exudes class and most importantly, will surely make you feel satisfied each time you glance down at it. The dial is truly mesmerising. 

For a more extensive review of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato, be sure to head over to the Distinct Timepieces YouTube channel: