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A linchpin of the brand, Girard-Perregaux Laureato is a collection of elegant luxury sports watches boasting a sleek and sophisticated design sensibility. It was introduced in 1975 as the brand's first quartz watch, driven by a highly-precise calibre 350. The watch made quite some waves upon its release, and for good reason. First, its movement established a new standard frequency of 32,768 Hz for the global market. And it championed the luxury sports watch genre, which was in its heyday at the time of Laureato's release. In 2016, the Laureato collection was given a grand revival to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the maison. It again took the world by storm, returning stronger than ever into the luxury sports category with its iconic design and a new mechanical movement. At present, Laureato is one of the most sought-after watches in the industry.
Design And Features
The Laureato collection is a captivating blend of bold architectural inspirations and superior materials. It was christened ‘Laureato’ at the suggestion of Girard-Perregaux’s Italian distributor, referencing the iconic 1967 film The Graduate, known as Il Laureato in Italian. Milanese architect Adolfo Natalini is the genius behind the watch’s iconic design. He drew inspiration from the intricate architecture of the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in Florence, Italy. Therefore, we see echoes of domes and facades' iconography throughout the watch’s visual aesthetic. Its design comprises a slim, octagon-shaped bezel that sits gracefully on a gracefully curved base. Furthermore, it features horizontal links integrated seamlessly into the base, giving an overall sleek and elegant look.
Iterations of Laureato
Over the decades, the Laureato has seen numerous design and technological advancements. During the 1980s, Girard-Perregaux expanded the Laureato line by introducing models with added complications like chronographs and moon phases, responding to the growing preference for multifunctional timepieces. In 2003, the Laureato Evo 3 was unveiled with a larger case size and a more elaborate dial arrangement. Girard-Perregaux introduced Laureato Absolute in 2019. With a more athletic appearance, a carbon fibre case and a rubber strap, the Absolute showcases a modern design and the brand's commitment to excellence.