Review
Blomman Mr Blue offers a detailed review of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato ref. 81000 with a silver dial, part of the limited edition re-launch. This article delves into the watch's design, addressing common comparisons to Genta-designed pieces while asserting GP's historical use of octagonal forms. It provides an in-depth look at the silver dial variant, setting the stage for a comparison with its blue counterpart.
Friends,
As you all know Girard-Perregaux re-launched the Laureato this year!
A Limited Edition of 225 pieces in Blue and 225 with Silver dial.
Since they are very different in appearance I decided to make my report of the Laureato reference 81000 a two parted report.
In this part I will try to cover the Silver dial version:
Before I go into the actual watch I like to address one point: “the Genta design”.
Many times you get the comments of similarities. True!
The Laureato compete in the same segment other watches like the Royal Oak, the Overseas, the Nautilus and the Ingenieur.
They are all elegant, leisure sport watches.
Many think that octagon bezel design is equal Gerald Genta design…
Indeed, the most famous octagon designs are made by him, a great man and a designer!
But he was far from the first or the only one using this shape on a watch…
Already in the 1940s Girard-Perregaux were playing with the octa design.
They continued in the 1950s.
And in the 1960s….
Also in the 1970s, the Laureato was not the only octagon designed watch in the GP collection:
But yes, since the 1980s, the Laureato has been the most significant one in the GP collection!
And I already showed you how the Laureato looked like in the 1990s…
But Girard-Perregaux were also not the only brand using the octagon.
Here is another example from JLC 1969, please notice that these are men’s watches!
OK, enough about that, let’s get on with the new Laureato reference 81000!
If I should try to describe the new Laureato with silver dial in five words it would be: STUNNING, COOL, THIN, LIGHT and SOLID.
STUNNING;
Yes, I find the Laureato 81000 stunning!
The waffle pattern plays with the light in an awesome way.
Depending on light it shifts from sliver white to steel grey!
The mix of brushed surfaces with bevels polished giving the watch the perfect amount of highlights and shadows when the light hits.
The polished bezel is both round and octagon shaped in a way that most of the time you don’t clearly see the octagon, you more sense its presence…
COOL;
The silver dial version looks really cool!
Almost monochrome, hard steel, big sword hands and good sized applied indexes...
A better fit for the Terminator..?!
The two lines of text on the upper and lower part of the dial gives a nice balance and without the text I think the dial would feel like a “big empty”.
The date window is discreet and do not bother me here at all.
So, IMO, a very cool looking watch!
But also cool as in chilly. Something you put on your wrist on a really hot day to cool yourself off…
THIN;
The original Laureato were launched as an ultrathin watch.
And yes, this “Evo 4” has kept that feeling.
With a diameter of 41 mm and only 10.1 mm thick including the slightly doomed crystal gives the Laureato a very thin profile.
The movement is not an ultrathin movement but still quite thin, 3.20 mm, Calibre GP03300-0030.
LIGHT;
Even if the watch is an all stainless steel watch including the bracelet, the watch is light!
Approximately 130 g depending on how many links you have on the bracelet.
One detail that I really like and helps keeping the weight down is that the case and the first bracelet link on each side is tapered from the thickness of the middle case piece down to the thickness of the bracelet, approximately 5.0 down to 2.5 mm.
SOLID;
Even with the open case back the watch feels very solid.
Yes, personally I would have preferred a solid case back with some nice engraving…
But still, the feel of the watch is solid!
Made to be able to take a beating.
Actually, I would like to add one more word to describe the Laureato 81000: COMFORTABLE!
The profile of the case really hugs your wrist and bracelet is really smooth and supple.
Nothing like on the previous 8010 where the bracelet can stand on its own.
From me the new Laureato 81000 gets 6 out of 6!
Now the big question is, I like the silver dial version better than the blue..?
Well, you will have to wait for my second report on the new Girard-Perregaux Laureato to find out…!
Best
Blomman
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1994, reference 8010, is a notable entry in the brand's "Vintage" line from the 1990s, distinguished by its rectangular case design that evokes historical watch aesthetics. This model was introduced in 1994, predating the Vintage 1996 chronograph, and represents an early expression of Girard-Perregaux's strategy to reinterpret classic forms for a contemporary audience. It stands as a foundational piece within the broader Vintage collection, showcasing the brand's commitment to its heritage during a period of significant horological revival.
The reference 8010 typically features a case crafted from stainless steel, measuring 32mm in width and 47mm in length, providing a distinctive wrist presence. It is powered by an automatic mechanical movement, often visible through a sapphire crystal case back, and is protected by a sapphire crystal on the dial side. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 46 hours, ensuring reliable timekeeping. Water resistance is generally rated to 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in Girard-Perregaux's output from the 1990s, particularly those who appreciate watches with a strong vintage aesthetic and a rectangular form factor. It offers a more understated alternative to some of the brand's sportier or more complicated offerings from the same era. The Vintage 1994, reference 8010, represents a key period in the brand's modern history, highlighting its ability to blend traditional design with contemporary manufacturing.
the first wristshot is really showing the stunning beauty. The dilemma is clear: blue or white... The white is more and more growing on me, perhaps also considering that I have the blue 8010. Looking forward to the second part of the report and I have a feeling which one is your preference. CC
The silver dial really comes to its full potential when viewed in real. Especially when the sun light hits! Best Blomman
but here it has been cleverly solved by the long reaching case and the lugs: that is design! The choice between blue and silver will be a tough one: blue for business and white for summer. But it works even the other way round ! Thank you for the great review. Cordially Moritz
I was talking with Mr Stefano Macaluso about that specific detail and he explained how much effort that went into just this part of the case. Fascinating how much difference some small details make! Best, my friend Blomman
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