Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty 39mm Steel Review

Despite being a long-time admirer of the Girard-Perregsux Laureato, I could never quite find “the one” for me over the last several years. I’ve come close to pulling the trigger on the onyx dial iteration a few times, but ultimately decided to hold off:

I was excited when Girard-Perregaux launched the Laureato Fifty in a new 39mm case last year. Unfortunately, it debuted in a two-tone execution. I figured they would eventually release an all-steel Laureato Fifty, but I assumed it would be years away, so I wasn’t overly optimistic:

During the NYC GTG, I started noticing an increase in Laureato-related posts on GP’s Instagram account. I knew a new launch was imminent. The question was: would they finally release an all-stainless steel version:

Sure enough, after checking Instagram again on Wednesday night, June 3rd, I noticed a countdown timer. Coincidentally, the countdown aligned perfectly with my 02:30 CDT alarm for an early morning run before work.
The moment I saw it, I clicked “Request Allocation” and immediately followed up with an email to my local AD. Impressively, I received a response that afternoon from GP’s U.S. Regional Director confirming that my AD had already contacted them and that my allocation was expected to arrive by the end of June.
I couldn’t be more please - not only with the customer service from Girard-Perregaux and the team at my local AD, but also with the overall execution of the watch itself:
I also love that they removed “GP” at 12 o’clock, along with the “Laureato” and “Automatic” text, resulting in a much cleaner and more refined dial:

The execution of the GP logo on the clasp is another thoughtful touch that I greatly appreciate:

Speaking of the bracelet, I love the combination of brushed surfaces, policed bevels, and polished center links. The finishing is excellent throughout:

There’s also a micro-adjustment feature - yet another example that GP’s management is listening to enthusiasts and paying attention to what collectors actually want:

The lume is excellent and far better than I expected. It charges quickly and provides a bright, even glow that nicely compliments the otherwise elegant character of the watch:

Of course, no discussion of the Laureato Fifty is complete without mentioning the in-house GP4800 self-winding movement, which is beautifully executed. The addy of the gold balance bridge is a fitting tribute to the model’s 50th anniversary and provides a visual signature that immediately sets it apart from the previous generation:

Of course, you knew this was only a matter of time:

Once again, I couldn’t be more pleased with the direction Girard-Perregaux is taking. It’s refreshing to see a brand actively listening to enthusiasts, and it gives me hope for what comes next.