Mastering Time – Laureato’s Graduating Class

There’s a certain temporal layering at play in the world of watches. Of course, it’s all about the passage of time and the slow unwind of the future but it’s also about respect and a reverence for time past. Girard-Perregaux is one such watchmaker that holds court in this special arena, not just for its rich history but also for its constant forward-thinking innovation which it manages to weave in with style, precision and utter craftsmanship. Now available at The Hour Glass Auckland, Girard-Perregaux presents an extraordinary range of watches that is a celebration of all these things. And one collection that particularly captivates the imagination is the Laureato series, an iconic collection in its own right.

 

 

Tracing its origins back to 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest fine watchmaking manufactures still in operation today. Its journey began in the Swiss Jura region, the cradle of haute horlogerie, where it gained immediate attention for its pioneering vision and exceptional craftsmanship. As one of the few authentic Swiss watch ” manufactures ” that design and produce their own movements, cases, and other key components, Girard-Perregaux has been at the forefront of watchmaking innovation for well over two centuries.

And this reputation is well-deserved thanks to a series of groundbreaking achievements in the watchmaking industry. One such innovation was the creation of the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, a movement that redefined the architecture of watchmaking and won numerous international awards. This masterpiece, among others, set the standard for aesthetic beauty and functional design in timekeeping.

The Laureato stands as a rare gem that has carved its own niche and is the go-to for those in the know. First launched in 1975, the Laureato was born during an era defined by change, creativity, and a new kind of elegance. It was in the 1970s—when quartz movements were the rage and the Swiss watch industry was navigating the Quartz Crisis—that Girard-Perregaux unveiled this masterpiece of sporty sophistication.

The name “Laureato,” Italian for ‘graduate,’ was not the brainchild of marketers but a term endearingly bestowed upon the watch by its loyal community of fans. A rare occurrence in an industry that often keeps a tight rein on branding, Girard-Perregaux graciously embraced the community-sourced name. The Laureato became an embodiment of sporty elegance, characterised by an integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, and versatility to be worn on any occasion.

One Girard-Perregaux watch that stands as an unequivocal standout is the recently released Laureato 42 mm Green. Reflecting the trends for more colourful watches, this Laureato model is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Its green dial elegantly changes its hue as light dances across its Clous de Paris pattern, making each glance at the time a unique experience.

Beyond the shimmery aesthetics, the Laureato 42 mm Green is also a marvel of mechanical precision. Housed within the watch is the self-winding GP01800 Calibre manufactured in-house by Girard-Perregaux. With an impressive power reserve of a minimum of 54 hours, the movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour). For aficionados who appreciate the finer details, the oscillating weight is adorned with Côtes de Genève, viewable through the transparent case back, showcasing the intricate inner workings in all their glory.

And with water resistance up to 100 metres, the watch is as much a companion for casual events as it is for more formal occasions. Its bold yet refined style makes it a suitable choice for various settings, further accentuated by its unisex design, making it appealing to a broad range of watch enthusiasts.

When you are not running around doing something sporty you can just relax and admire your watch. Each glance at the Laureato 42 mm Green confirms its worth, not just as a time-keeping instrument but as a piece of art. Through this masterpiece, Girard-Perregaux doesn’t just tell time; it tells a story of the rich history, relentless innovation, and aesthetic vision. All these features coalesce to make the Laureato 42 mm Green not merely a watch but the epitome of elegance, echoing the timeless qualities that Girard-Perregaux embodies.

To discover more about Girard-Perregaux or to experience the Laureato collection, visit The Hour Glass, 154 Queen Street Auckland.

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