Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38 Copper Reimagined

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Girard Perregaux Laureato and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, despite both featuring octagonal bezels, possess distinct design languages. The Laureato's bezel sits on a round base with a tonneau-shaped case, contrasting with the Royal Oak's angular case and integrated bracelet design.
• A well-designed watch hinges on proportionality, with factors like case size, lug-to-lug length, thickness, dial size, lug flare, and bracelet type all interconnected. Even a 1mm difference can significantly impact the overall aesthetic.
• The original Laureato 8010 featured a thinner '12' index, which influenced the design choices in the reimagined copper Laureato. Modern Laureato 38mm copper indices are thicker, suggesting a need for either a bolder '12' or slimmer indices to maintain visual harmony.
• Some collectors find the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak's design language, with its angular case lines and tapered bracelet, to be superior, making it difficult to appreciate the Laureato without drawing comparisons, despite acknowledging the Laureato's merits.
• Experimenting with dial text, such as removing the date, GP logo, or 'Laureato Automatic' inscription, can significantly alter a watch's appearance. While some prefer a minimalist, empty lower dial, others find that a lack of branding can negatively impact perspective and depth.
• There is a preference among some collectors for an empty lower dial, citing examples like the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda, Chopard Alpine Eagle, and Patek Philippe Nautilus. However, this preference is subjective, with many appreciating text or logos in that space, as seen in Rolex or AP designs.
• The visual impact of a double index at 12 o'clock versus single indices elsewhere is a matter of personal taste, with some finding multiple double indices (e.g., at 3, 6, and 9) to appear 'heavy'.