Swiss luxury watchmaker Girard-Perregaux is celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of its most enduring creations, the Laureato, with a special release the Laureato FIFTY, a limited edition of just 200 pieces. The watch pays tribute to five decades of heritage while demonstrating the Maison’s continued pursuit of technical and aesthetic innovation.
A Timeless Design Legacy
When it debuted in 1975, the Laureato immediately became a standout in the evolving world of elegant sports watches. Designed entirely in-house, it introduced a distinctive silhouette defined by its octagonal bezel, circular base and integrated bracelet, an architectural blend that exuded precision, balance and refinement.
Unlike its contemporaries such as the Royal Oak or Nautilus, the Laureato’s appeal was in its restraint which is a design that was sophisticated, not showy. Its name, meaning “The Graduate” in Italian, symbolized mastery and excellence fitting for a watch that has since become an icon of Swiss craftsmanship.
The Laureato emerged during the quartz revolution, a period when Girard-Perregaux played a pioneering role. In 1971, the Maison introduced the GP350 quartz movement, which operated at 32,768 Hz, the frequency that remains the global industry standard today.
At the time of Laureato's release, Girard-Perregaux held more than 80% of all quartz patents registered with the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
The first Laureato featured a chronometer-certified quartz movement, blending advanced technology with timeless design a concept that continues to define the collection.
Heritage Reimagined
Half a century later, the Laureato FIFTY brings this legacy full circle. The watch features a 39mm case crafted from a refined combination of stainless steel and 3N yellow gold, recalling the two-tone aesthetic of the 1975 original.
The octagonal bezel alternates between satin-brushed and polished finishes, creating a subtle play of light. Beneath the anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a grey Clous de Paris dial with soleil reflections captures both depth and elegance.
Gold-toned hour markers, baton hands, and the GP double-arrow seconds hand complete the composition, while a date display at 3 o’clock offers everyday practicality.
Despite its elegance, the watch delivers durability with water resistance up to 150 meters, a rarity in such a slim 9.8mm case. The harmonious proportions and intricate finishing reflect Girard-Perregaux’s mastery of form and function.
Precision and Comfort in Motion
The integrated bracelet mirrors the original’s graceful design, blending steel and yellow gold links that taper naturally toward the clasp. Each link alternates between polished and satin finishes, creating a sophisticated rhythm of light and texture.
The triple folding clasp, engraved with the GP logo, features octagonal pushers inspired by the bezel and a micro-adjustment system that allows up to 4mm of flexibility a discreet but ingenious detail ensuring comfort in all conditions. It’s a small innovation that captures the Maison’s enduring dedication to craftsmanship and wearability.
The GP4800: A New Chapter in Horological Art
Through the transparent caseback, collectors can admire the new GP4800 calibre, a mechanical self-winding movement developed entirely in-house. Comprising 163 components and 19 jewels, it beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a 55-hour power reserve.
This movement features a silicon escapement and variable inertia balance wheel, ensuring precision and longevity. It also incorporates design elements inspired by Girard-Perregaux’s signature Three Bridges architecture, connecting the brand’s rich past with its forward-thinking technical vision.
A Living Symbol of Heritage and Modernity
For Girard-Perregaux, the Laureato FIFTY is more than a commemorative model it’s a statement of identity. Entirely designed, developed, and produced in-house at the brand’s historic manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, it embodies the spirit of a true Swiss manufacture that has thrived since 1791.
Over its 230-year history, the Maison has continuously pushed the boundaries of mechanical art from the Tourbillon with Three Bridges in 1867 to the Constant Escapement that won the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2013.
The Laureato FIFTY continues that lineage, bridging past achievements with the innovations of tomorrow.
Limited to 200 pieces, the watch will be available from October 2025 at Girard-Perregaux boutiques and select authorized retailers worldwide.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
