Girard-Perregaux Laureato Infinity Reference Guide
Reference Guide

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Infinity Reference Guide

By Cookies · Jun 19, 2021 · 23 replies
Cookies
WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum
23 replies6270 views3 photos
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Cookies introduces readers to Albert, a German Teddy Bear with a passion for horology, who offers a unique perspective on the Girard Perregaux Laureato Infinity Edition. Albert's insights delve into the watch's distinctive '3-dimensional black' dial and its place within the pantheon of iconic integrated bracelet sports watches. This article, originally posted in 2021, remains relevant for collectors interested in the Laureato's design philosophy and market performance.

Albert is a German Teddy Bear. He was made in 2005 to commemorate a great German scientist. These days; he has retired from nuclear physics, and prefers the simplicity of wristwatches. In his thoughts: “wristwatches represent immortality, because they can keep working long past the human lifespan. The represent a microcosm of the universe,  encased with everything it needs to work fully.” 

I cannot disagree further with the Professor.


 
Today the Professor was talking about the GP Infinity Edition made for Wempe. He gets excited about German limited editions. He says his favourite part of the piece is the dial, of a mysterious black. 

He likes dimensions. It is not a 2-dimensional black, but rather, a 3-dimensional black. How is this possible, I asked him. “When a substance has a deep microscopic structure, it allows light to enter, and the light gets trapped in the microstructures, to be refracted more, than reflected.” He mentioned vantablack as an example - I scratched my head.



With his mohair paws, he lifted the piece, to show me the sleekness of the design. He wouldn’t take a look at my Tudor Blackbay or Grand Seiko - said they were too thick. But this is Goldilocks just-right.




And he reminded me to take out my AP RO from the 80’s. “Which do you prefer, young man?” He said in his thick German accent. 

“Professor, I don’t know. What about you?” 

He didn’t reply directly, but pointed out that the RO was released first, followed by the Laureato, and subsequently the Nautilus. In a witty way, he asked if I could complete the collection by adding a Nautilus in, for comparison. 

“Err...professor, times have changed. The nautilus is no longer obtainable without a king’s ransom.” He replied:”Sad case, of people hoarding supply and demand to create an artificial scarcity. Don’t bother looking it up. It’s not sensible.”

I nodded in agreement.

About the Girard-Perregaux Ref. Vintage1945

The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 line, introduced in 1994, draws inspiration from historical models, specifically a 1945 Art Deco piece. This collection is characterized by its rectangular or tonneau-shaped cases and a design language that evokes mid-20th century aesthetics. The Vintage 1945 series quickly became a cornerstone of Girard-Perregaux's offerings in the 1990s, reinterpreting classic forms with contemporary watchmaking standards. It represents a significant period for the brand in re-establishing its heritage-inspired collections.

Early models in the Vintage 1945 series typically featured stainless steel cases, though gold variants were also produced. The case dimensions varied depending on the specific model, often presenting a balanced profile suitable for dress wear. These watches were frequently equipped with automatic movements, showcasing Girard-Perregaux's in-house capabilities or finely finished outsourced calibers. The crystal was commonly sapphire, ensuring durability and legibility, while water resistance was generally suitable for daily wear rather than aquatic activities.

For collectors, the Vintage 1945 series appeals to those interested in neo-vintage watches that successfully blend historical design with modern execution. The 1994 introduction year marks it as one of the earlier and more influential lines from Girard-Perregaux's resurgence in the 1990s. Its various iterations, including time-only, small seconds, and later complicated versions, offer a range of choices for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive rectangular watch with a clear lineage.

Specifications

Caliber
GP3000
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
28mm x 28mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
LI
LiftAngle51
Jun 19, 2021

Perfect for a Saturday morning when awaking. Only a cup of coffee needed. A difficult subject as well, because watches are complex machines which come in many types, sizes, and designs. A Nautilus could be to expensive through market madness, but i know better Patek Philip’s matching my personal taste. But for who which adore the Nautilus model and have no kings salary it is a painful case. For example a humble lovely GP Laureato is the right watch to hug and wear proud. Fine watch, i want one.

GE
geross
Jun 19, 2021

The black Laureato infinity. Is growing on me. Cool watch. 😎 Cheers. 🥃💨 Geross.

CO
Cookies
Jun 19, 2021

I hope you’d find a nice Laureato. How do you find the Laureato Evo3 with a black dial?

CO
Cookies
Jun 19, 2021

Surprisingly this piece did not sell well. It had been released and the allocation was not fully taken up by the German market, and hence it is circulating in the international market now. Thanks for reading!!

CO
Cookies
Jun 19, 2021

sometimes I feel sad when I post something and Nico doesn't answer. But alas Nico has answered. Thanks Nico and God Bless you. I prefer the SLC too. Let's see if Panerai releases a smaller 45mm version with a ceramic or steel case, without the "pig torpedo". That will raise the piece to be "buy immediately".

LI
LiftAngle51
Jun 19, 2021

Including you. You wear also Longines. The Laureato Evo3, i do not know. I’ll take the blue dial with blue strap. Or…. the skeleton model. The Zenith of Ghandi. Zenith was on my target, because i want to collect branded watches of special humans. No presidents and dictators, but the humans that we will always remember as ground breaking. Shall i say, famous Apollo astronauts belong to the list of the watch walk of fame. Ed White.

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