Vintage
Blomman Mr Blue delves into the history of the Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Chronograph line, focusing on the reference 8017, which marked the end of an era for the collection. He provides a historical context for this 1996 release, explaining why GP could no longer use the 'Olimpico' name and reflecting on the watch's place in the brand's legacy.
Friends,
We have talked a lot about the early Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Chronographs here.
There are still several to uncover but until we manage that, let’s have a look at what is the last Olimpico Chronograph that was released by Girard-Perregaux.
The Laureato Olimpico reference 8017!
The Laureato Olimpico reference 8017 was released in 1996. At that point the Manufacture received a letter from the Olympic committee stating that the name was protected and that GP could not use it anymore.
Very unfortunate since that limits that chances of us ever seeing another Olimpico chronograph…
Even if 1996 doesn’t feel that long ago, 20 years has passed since and a lot of things have changed…
Princess Diana did a “BREXIT” and divorced Prince Charles of Wales.
Gangsta rapper Tupac got gunned down…
Tom Cruise had Renée Zellweger at “Hello” (Jerry Maguire).
The White House resident was a Clinton - Bill Clinton, soon to move back in?
But that was back then… Let’s go back to the present and the Laureato Olimpico 8017!
Some base facts:
Limited Edition of 999 pieces.
Stainless steel case with integrated steel bracelet.
Diameter of 39 mm (42 mm including the crown guard), 13 mm thick including the slightly doomed crystal.
Three registers, 12 hours’ chronograph with hours at six, minutes at nine, running seconds at three and the chronograph seconds in the centre.
Inside is the automatic inhouse GP calibre 3170 based on the GP 3100.
Water resistant down to 100 meters.
There are several different dial versions, but the one I fell for is the cobalt blue waffle dial.
Yes, you know it, the colour of love is blue!
Tachymeter scale, applied indexes with thick luminous markers on them, red accents at twelve on each dial/sub-dial.
One interesting detail is that the dial in marked T SWISS MADE T which normally would indicate Tritium as luminous material.
Indeed, the luminous on the indexes has started to turn into a creamy colour, but the hands are still white.
This I have seen on other 8017 as well, so possible that the dial indeed has Tritium but hands have luminova.
The dial is magic, shifts from really dark blue to rally strong cobalt blue!
Reminds a lot of the Sea Hawk Blue.
Only thing I like less here is the date window at 4:30.
Not a big issue, but would have preferred it without or with a matching blue date disk.
On the back you find two iconic names tied together: Laureato and Olimpico!
And exactly as stated, this is a product of these two lines!
One, the Laureato and two the Olimpico.
Twenty years earlier in 1976 the first Laureato was released.
When you see the two side-by-side, there is no question these are family!
The rounded case with the octagon bezel, the integrated bracelet…
The combination of polished and brushed surfaces on the case.
But then have a look at the Olimpico 9238, which also was released in 1976.
The resemblance is there. The air de famille!
To me the 8017 is the perfect mix of a Laureato and a Olimpico!
100 years of watches: 40 + 20 + 40=8017!
On the wrist, for being an integrated bracelet it is surprisingly smooth and supple.
A bit heavy to me since I am used to wear leather strap watches but I find huge pleasure to be able to look down on this one on my wrist!
Or should I say “up”?!
As you know, my quest to uncover all the Olimpico references ever existed is not finished!
We have already established a firm starting point with the 8846 and 8862 from 1968 and now we have ended the line with this 8017 from 1996.
But there are still a lot to uncover about the Olimpico line and what happened during these 28 years.
Hope you enjoyed and will follow me in my attempt to uncover them all!
And so I don’t disappoint anyone, here is a stone shot to end this post.
Best
Blomman
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Olimpico reference 8017 represents a chronograph variant within the Laureato collection, produced around 1996. This reference is distinguished by its integrated bracelet design and the inclusion of chronograph functionality, setting it apart from time-only Laureato models of the era. It was offered in various material and dial configurations, indicating a strategic expansion of the Laureato line to include more complex offerings for collectors. The Olimpico designation often refers to specific limited editions or special production runs.
This particular reference 8017 features a 40 mm case, available in configurations such as steel and rose gold, or full steel. The movement is an automatic chronograph caliber, providing reliable timekeeping and stopwatch functions. The crystal is typically sapphire, ensuring durability and scratch resistance. Dial colors observed include tobacco grey and Yves-Klein blue, each contributing to the distinct aesthetic of the individual variants within this reference.
For collectors, the Laureato Olimpico reference 8017 is notable for its limited production numbers, particularly for certain variants. The steel and rose gold version with a tobacco grey dial, for instance, is noted to have been produced in very small quantities, approximately 10 pieces. The full steel version with an Yves-Klein blue dial saw a slightly larger, though still limited, production run. These factors contribute to its appeal among those seeking less common examples of neo-vintage chronographs from a respected manufacturer.
The link between... Best Blomman
Olimpico. But for the core collector, it is a must have, of course. Best, and bravo! Nicolas
There are others I am enthusiastic about... But I will probably get them as well before the end! Best Blomman
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