In 1975, Girard-Perregaux presented each of its Laureato watches with a diploma of sorts. A certificate of accuracy was issued for each of the then new model’s precision quartz movements. The luxury timepiece, designed by a Milanese architect and crafted in-house in Switzerland, was aptly named after the Italian word for “graduate.”
This year, the Laureato’s most recognizable design elements—an octagonal bezel and a Clou de Paris hobnail-patterned dial—have found renewed life at Girard-Perregaux. Presenting an ambitious 34 new versions, the Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland-based watchmaker evolved the model from a refined men’s sports timepiece into a full collection of watches for both men and women. Of particular note is the new 38 mm size, produced in multiple variations, including stainless steel and rose gold. Is it a bold statement watch for a woman’s wrist or a nod to vintage discretion for men? Or, better yet, is it both—a strikingly versatile sport-luxury watch for couples to share?
Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38 mm in stainless steel, $10,400; girard-perregaux.com