Girard-Perregaux Laureato: Vintage vs. Modern

amanico · 2023-02-16T10:56:33Z

Explore the Girard Perregaux Laureato's evolution: vintage quartz vs. modern mechanical. Collectors debate aesthetics, historical significance, and design DNA.

Nicolas, known as 'amanico' on WatchProSite, initiates a compelling discussion on the Girard Perregaux Laureato, prompting collectors to weigh the merits of its vintage and modern iterations. His post challenges the common preference for original designs, confessing a personal inclination towards the contemporary Laureato's aesthetics and mechanical movement over its 1975 quartz predecessor. This article synthesizes community insights, exploring the historical significance of the original quartz movement and the evolution of the Laureato's design DNA.

Something I totally forgot is that the first Laureato, issued in 1975, was a Quartz one.

And what made me smile is that, when I compare it to the 38 mm modern ones, I prefer the current to the original.

I think it is the first time I prefer a modern to the original. Not only for the mechanical movement versus Quartz, but also for the aesthetics.

Do you feel the same?

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The original Laureato, despite being quartz, was a bold and significant release for Girard Perregaux, showcasing a high-quality movement that was even licensed by Japanese manufacturers, distinguishing it from typical quartz watches.
The 1975 Girard Perregaux Laureato featured one of the best quartz movements ever created, a testament to GP's horological prowess during the quartz crisis.
The Laureato's design evolution, spanning multiple versions, successfully maintained its core DNA while adapting to contemporary trends, a balance that is often challenging for watch brands.
Other luxury brands like Vacheron Constantin utilized Girard Perregaux's quartz movements, specifically for the first-generation Overseas, highlighting the caliber's industry recognition.
The 'Espace' quartz edition of the Laureato, with its clear caseback and unique complications, is considered by some to be superior to both the original and modern iterations in terms of innovation and design.
The modern Girard Perregaux Laureato has significantly improved styling compared to its vintage counterpart, with many collectors finding the mechanical movement to offer a more 'soulful' experience.

The Discussion

Arronax

Feb 16, 2023

If you wait - or live - long enough, everything comes back into fashion.

josunese1975

Feb 16, 2023

Did you mean 1975? I didn't know they had quartz watches in 1875.....

TheMadDruid

Feb 16, 2023

Though I often like newer versions. But GP definitely improved the styling of the Laureato. And mechanical is more soulful. Oh no! I’m turning into a Vampire!

Spencer Karrington

Feb 16, 2023

I love the espace quartz edition with the clear caseback and the unique complications. That definitely is better but the new models i think are pretty too!

Spencer Karrington

Feb 16, 2023

And one of the best quartz movement, i think, ever created, if not the best!!!

Spencer Karrington

Feb 18, 2023

they are called Equation Soleil

Girard-Perregaux Laureato: Vintage vs. Modern

Key Points from the Discussion

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