The Girard-Perregaux Laureato: Simply Sophisticated

Girard-Perregaux has played an important role in shaping the history of watchmaking. The brand is also distinct in the way it does things. Take for instance The Three (golden) Bridges. It was initially created for pocket watches in 1867, but broke ground in the fine watchmaking space when it was resized to fit wristwatches. These were offered in yellow or rose gold.

Today, Girard-Perregaux takes an interesting route with the Laureato. It is a design that comes from a time when designers and makers were introducing integrated bracelet watches, featuring shapes being put together. Typically, rounded shapes like circles and octagons would flow into the bracelets. I’ve always thought that the Laureato presented the most subtle and elegant interpretation of this popular design, although they did not become instant bestsellers.

The Laureato added softness where others focused on sharp edges. Girard-Perregaux integrated the three gold bridges into the Laureato and opted for a more monochromatic, subtle finish. This is achieved with a 41mm case done in steel with a white gold bezel. The result, a seemingly simple watch with amazing depth to it. This, by no means, makes the piece accessible. It’s a steel watch that starts in excess of €175,000 (Php11.9 million).

Girard-Perregaux has released two versions. There is a non-limited version, done in stainless steel with a white gold bezel set in 32 baguette cut diamonds. Unique to the brand is a limited editionLimited EditionA product produced in deliberately restricted numbers, often numbered, signed, and distinguished by special materials or design. Limited editions create scarcity, urgency, and desirability, and they are common across watches,Go to Limited Edition Glossary, all steel design that will release only 50 pieces. It is testament to the unique vision of Girard-Perregaux, and an excellent example of how different treatments of a watch can resonate with varying audiences and markets. And I’m really glad that they’re pushing forward the way they are.

This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026.