Girard-Perregaux Laureato

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Laureato is a line of sports watches from Girard-Perregaux produced since 1975.

History

Audemars Piguet set the stage for a new trend in high-end watches with their 1972 launch of the Gerald Genta-designed Royal Oak. Featuring a large steel tonneau case and integrated bracelet, the Royal Oak would be the forerunner of competing models from Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, IWC, and many others. Girard-Perregaux's response was the Laureato, with an octagonal bezel and similarly oversized, integrated case and bracelet.

The original Laureato contained an in-house Caliber 705 quartz movement and was so-named to honor a new generation graduating from school. "Il Laureato" was also the Italian translation of the title of the famous American film, "The Graduate".

Laureato Mechanical

Girard-Perregaux introduced a mechanical option in the updated 1995 Laureato range. These used the company's GP3300 movement in a 36 mm or 38 mm case.

Laureato Evo 3

In 2004 Girard-Perregaux launched the third-generation Laureato, beginning with a sporty chronograph model. Known as "Evo 3", the successive turned to modern design while still retaining the classic octagonal bezel that is signature of the Laureato line. A 46 mm tourbillon model was added in 2007 and a three-bridge tourbillon in 2012.

The 2013 Chrono Hawk adopted the Laureato's octagonal bezel but was not part of this range.

Laureato 2016

For 2016, Girard-Perregaux re-launched the Laureato line in a more dress-oriented case that strongly resembled the original. The new "Laureato 2016" measures 41 mm across and features a polished octagonal bezel like the original. White or blue Clous de Paris dials give depth and emphasize the company's finishing abilities. The chapter ring is elevated and polished, with markers every minute. The bracelet has the classic Girard-Perregaux brushed-finish "H" pattern with inset polished links.

Over the next few years, Girard-Perregaux launched a complete line of Laureato models, including a chronograph, skeleton, ceramic, tourbillon and flying tourbillon, and perpetual calendar.

Current Models