Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty: An Enthusiast's Perspective | Girard Perregaux

NWA . . . The Early Bird Gets the Laureato Fifty . . .

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:
Watch by Glashütte Original, Laureato, Girard Perregaux
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.

When the alarm went off, i immediately checked Instagram - nothing. Then, I checked Fratello and Monochrome. Once again, nothing. Finally, I went directly to GP’s website and found a Laureato Fifty listing with no image, I clicked on it and slowly watch this appear:

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.

Well, my AD contacted me yesterday to say the watch had arrived, and I was able to pick it up this afternoon:

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:

It’s refreshing to see a brand still producing modern watches with genuinely slim proportions, which seems to be increasingly rare these days:

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.

Now . . . if they could just give us some new Vintage 1945 pieces . . .