The resurrection continues. Historically inspired watches are the new design template for watch brands nowadays. Nearly every brand with a lineage dating back fifty plus years has been resurrecting their historically classic designs for the modern watch era. Girard Perregaux is next on the list. With the success of staple watch collection pieces like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Nautilus, GP has brought back its simple yet classic stainless steel timepiece. For 2016, the GP Laureato makes its re-debut.
The original Laureato of the 70s was only 36mm and quartz. For 2016, this classic and simple design takes on a modern diameter, 41mm, and an automatic in-house movement. A mere 10mm thick, the piece is meant to join the ranks of the other classic stainless bracelet timepieces. An angular bezel, textured dial, and brushed multi piece bracelet with polished center link are reminiscent of the 70s as well as the watches counterparts from AP and Patek.
The Laureato design spawned many timepieces over the years. From steel bracelet complications to large rubber strap and bezel 44mm limited editions, the Laureato has been one of GP’s famed designs. This 2016 Laureato is certainly just that, 2016. Larger, simpler, classically inspired and more affordable defines 2016 and the GP Laureato 2016. There are few steel bracelet timepieces that can be both casual and formal. The aforementioned AP and Patek top the list of desirables. Here is a classic option from an old watch house that just might fit the category. Priced at $14,300 and limited to only 225 pieces, GP certainly feels it does.
