It’s spring, which means you need to be prepared for blessed sunshine and torrential rain at a moment’s notice – I certainly know which of those conditions I prefer and so does Girard-Perregaux. Their latest pair of Laureato releases are bright and breezy, perfect for capturing the golden vibes of the sun breaking through the clouds. They’re the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Pink Gold Sage Green and Ultramarine Blue.
The names of the two watches tell you pretty much everything you need to know about them. They have 42mm pink gold cases in the signature shape of the Laureato, meaning they have round cases with integrated bracelets topped with an octagonal bezel. The pink gold gives them a rich rosy colour that matches the golden skyline of a late spring sunset. I like that they’re 42mm and haven’t kowtowed to the current popularity of smaller dimensions – the Laureato has historically been a sports-chic timepiece and a size of 42mm maintains that sporty aspect in juxtaposition to the luxurious gold.
It’s a style the evidently works because in the Oracle Time Awards 2023 as voted for by you, the Oracle Time readers, the Laureato was a runner-up in both the integrated bracelet and readers’ choice watch of the year categories. That version was s copper dial edition and the new watches feel like a twist on that formula. Instead of having a yellow-ish metallic tone dial, they have golden cases, allowing the dial to making way for alternative sunny colours.
The first of those colours is sage green, a colour that has been seeing more and more use across a number of watch brands. It’s a desaturated green that is gentle and calming, like sage the plant and like a sage bringing wisdom. The second is ultramarine blue, which in contrast to the pale sage is vibrant and intense. Its that vibrancy that creates a bright and cheerful feeling like the coming summer. There’s also the act that the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Pink Gold Ultramarine Blue edition is also presented on a choice of gold bracelet or blue alligator strap while the green is only available on bracelet.
Beneath their spring and summer ready surfaces, both watches house the GP01800-2317 automatic movement. It’s a really solid in-house number with a 54-hour power reserve and 4Hz frequency. You can view it through the exhibition caseback to admire the pink gold rotor and Côte de Genève finishing.
As full gold watches, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Pink Gold Sage Green and Ultramarine Blue on bracelet are priced at £44,100 while the alligator strap edition of the Ultramarine Blue is £30,100. I wouldn’t say that these watches are ultra-hype mega releases but also, I’ve learned not to underestimate the power of the Laureato in attractive colours. Could these be the ultimate spring and summer watches?
Price and Specs:
81010-52-436-52A (ultramarine blue, gold bracelet)
81010-52-436-BB4A (ultramarine, leather strap)
More details at Girard-Perregaux.
