Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade 2023

amanico · 2023-01-17T10:31:39Z

Explore the Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light and Shade and Light and Fire. Discover collector insights on design, movement, and pricing.

amanico

WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum

24 replies4083 views9 photos

Amanico, a respected voice in the WatchProSite community, introduces two striking Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute novelties: the Light and Shade, and the limited-edition Light and Fire. His initial assessment provides a detailed look at their specifications and aesthetic differences, setting the stage for a community discussion on GP's design direction and pricing strategy for these avant-garde pieces.

24 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Two new Laureato have just been unveiled, the Absolute Light and Shade, and Absolute Light And Fire.

The Light and Shade are unlimited, while the Light and Fire are limited to 18 pieces.

The case dimensions are the same: 44mm diameter / 11, 56 mm high, water resistant to 30 meters. The movement is the same, too: Cal GP1800-1143, beating at 28, 800 vph, with a power reserve of 54 hours, automatic.

The retail is the same: 99, 000 USD.

What changes is the chromatic look of each case.

For the Light and Shade, we are on grey / dark shades, with its metallised sapphire crystal and black PVD Titanium case.

For the Light and Fire, the case is made of a polycrystalline material called " YAG ", translucent, in red, with a black PVD Titanium case., to pay homage to the Chinese New Year, the red color evoking vitality and prosperity.

Both display the hours, minutes and seconds ( no Tourbillon, here ).

Here they are:

Laureato Absolute Light and Shade:

Light and Fire:

Honestly, at that price, I would rather hunt a Constant Escapement or a Neo Tourbillon.

The Light and Shade is my favorite, as I find the " Red " one too trendy. But no doubt they will find their fans.

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The 44mm case size of the Absolute models is perceived as outdated, with a preference for 38mm to 40mm Laureato references, and the GP1800 movement, acquired from Jean Richard, is considered unexciting for a watch at this price point.
There's a sentiment that watchmakers are over-relying on expensive sapphire or crystalline cases with relatively standard movements, urging brands like GP to invest in developing new classic and stylish watches rather than niche, high-priced pieces.
While appreciating the aesthetic of the Light and Shade, particularly its chapter ring, the contributor expresses shock at the USD 99,000 price point, suggesting a much lower price (e.g., USD 20,000) would be more appropriate given the standard movement.
The proliferation of 'limited editions' from various brands, including GP, is critiqued as a marketing strategy rather than a true reflection of rarity, diminishing the specialness of such releases.
The author reiterates his preference for the Light and Shade over the 'trendy' red Light and Fire, while also noting that the XXL case of the Vintage 45 is not his favorite, with the exception of the 'Mechanics of Arts' version.
The high price point for these Laureato Absolute models, especially considering the movement, presents numerous alternative choices for collectors.

The Discussion

LarsG

Jan 17, 2023

Light and shade is the most attractive for me. Well done with visible hands (rare). Ouch what a price. Enjoy!

amanico

Jan 17, 2023

For me too, but still...

this_hobby_of_hours

Jan 17, 2023

Agree ..

Strange that the absolute is still around let alone, GP ploughing more money into it. 44 mm is so last decade. Maybe I’m just a traditional sort of guy, but steel or a precious metal is good enough for me. As Nicholas said, the 38 mm copper or the 38 mm Grey Anthracite my favorites. Would have liked to see more 38 to 40 mm come out from GP. The 1800 movement was acquired from Jean Richard. It’s fine but nothing that excites anyone. Seems like they used the movement from the 42 mm skeleton here f

LarsG

Jan 17, 2023

Good points Marc. I totally agree on the charm of the bronze. Enjoy!

amanico

Jan 18, 2023

Well, a big case is good when the movement / dial is skeletonized. But still, I would stick on the killer " 38 Copper ".

LarsG

Jan 19, 2023

Never thought of it that way, but I guess because of the visual / aesthetics ?