Girard Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Automatic Review
It’s not every day that we review a North American edition of the GP Laureato Skeleton Automatic 42mm. Read the full review.
Girard Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Automatic 42mm Review
Something about the GP Laureato series has always caught the attention of watch enthusiasts. Even prior to the recent reproduction of this series in 2017 which celebrated its 225th year. This began as far back as the mid-1970s when it was first introduced, it had the appeal of the then (and still) trending AP Royal Oaks designed by Gerald Genta which had a very distinct octagonal geometry. Ironically the Laureato watch was designed by someone else more mysterious.
The Laureato Skeleton Automatic 42mm is an eye-catcher and quite the head-turner. The seamless integration of the case and bracelet provide such a versatile look and it can be donned as either a sporty or a dress watch. The model featured in this review has reference # 81015-32-176032A and is a special edition exclusive to only the North American market.
The 42mm case is large enough to be trendy without being considered an oversized watch. At only 10.93mm thick the watch can be easily tucked under the cuff of a shirt. The case offers a water resistance rating of 100m/330ft which is enough for washing your hands in cold water or even some light poolside swimming but too nothing serious.
One of the most striking features of the watch is the dial. Despite the many beautiful features of the dial, the most eye-catching feature on the dial is the use of a cobalt shade of blue on the hour markers, dial flange, and sword-shaped hands. The skeletonized dial in and of itself is a sight to behold and uses some fascinating geometry.
While the dial is almost completely a slick shade of anthracite-treated black, tasteful flashes of yellow gold, stainless steel, and small pink watchmaking jewels remind us that Girard Perregaux is also all about keeping things sophisticated and classy.
The octagonal bezel is made of a scratch-resistant black ceramic material with a radial brushed finish and sits on a round disc with a polished finish adding depth to the look on the front of the case. The back of the case has a transparent sapphire crystal framed in a polished, black ceramic material which is fastened with 6 screws.
The manufacture Caliber GP 01800 is quite breathtaking combining the rich use of Black ceramic material on the plates and bridges and a solid rose gold weighted rotor which provides the automatic winding. This skeletonized movement uses anthracite-treated parts which have a brushed finish to match the case.
This in-house movement is comprised of 173 components and contains 25 jewels. It oscillates at a frequency of 4Hz or 28,800 VpH and has an ample power reserve of approximately 54 hours on full wind.
The bracelet has highly polished connecting center links. Together with the polished winding crown, it adds a touch of modern class to the brushed bracelet links. The bracelet can fit up to an 8” wrist and is fastened with a stainless-steel folding clasp which is opened by pushing the polished buttons on either side of the bracelet.
The North American edition featured in this review has an MSRP of $38,400. A new one can be found selling at a significantly discounted price on PrestigeTime.com. Every so often we are even lucky enough to get our hands on a preowned model in excellent condition that is still under its original manufacturer’s warranty which you can get for an even better rate.
Click either of the buttons below for the full product details.
New PREOWNED Browse Collection
