Geneva Watch Days are here, and Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Eternity Edition has launched several new models, including this limited edition version of the brand’s Laureato sports watch. This new Laureato Infinity Edition marks a new exclusive German distribution agreement between Girard-Perregaux and Wempe. With a 42mm steel case and bracelet, the Laureato Infinity Edition is differentiated by its use of a black onyx dial, pink-gold markers, and will be made in a limited production run of 188 units.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Eternity Edition is also making a 38mm version that has a diamond-set bezel and is limited to 88 pieces, but we’ll focus on the 42mm for now (accepting that the two versions are very similar). While the specific distribution deal is for Germany, the Laureato Infinity Edition will be sold exclusively through Wempe locations in Germany, New York, and London.
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That 42mm case is matched by a thickness of 10.7mm and has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a sapphire display caseback, and a water resistance rating of 100 meters. As is common to the more sporty Laureato design, both versions come fitted to a matching steel integrated bracelet.
The movement in question is Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Eternity Edition in-house GP01800-1404, which is a svelte 3.97mm-thick automatic movement with a pink-gold rotor, 54 hours of power reserve, and a running rate of 4 Hz. The movement can be seen via the Laureato’s display caseback and, taking previous Laureatos into consideration, it will be beautifully finished, using both polished and satin finishes characteristic of the design.
While this limited edition is essentially little more than a special new dial, we don’t see a lot of black onyx in watch dials these days, and it’s a material that feels remarkably special on wrist. Furthermore, I think the subtle shape and gentle curves of the Laureato are a good home for such a dial and that the material will likely pair well with the pink-gold accents.
Given that the recent trajectory of the Laureato has been towards increasingly complicated and haute horology executions like the Absolute Rock and the Absolute Light, it’s encouraging to see Girard-Perregaux continue to operate at the steely core of the Laureato, even if we’re admittedly still talking about a $13,200 watch. Anyone else feel like onyx is an underplayed move these days? Or just me?