One of my favorites… but then I have so many ”favorites” 😄
This is the laureato 8010. Grey dial. Pink gold bezel. The hands and indices are also pink gold. The mirror polished bezel
Is to indicate the nod to the original laureato. As is the white date wheel.
This was the first mechanical laureato ever made. It was first released in 1995 and only 700 pieces made.
The 12 o’clock instead of the GP logo. Laureato is engraved on the caseback.
Tritium dial.
Cushion center links.
With a 36 mm case size, and 8 mm thickness, this watch is proportioned to perfection.
It houses the GP 3100 movement which was developed under the leadership of the larger than life, Luigi Macaluso.
The dial size is 27 mm and the 38 mm modern laureato is modeled after this. It has the same dial size and houses the GP 3300 movement.
It took 23 years before GP released the laureato 38 mm (2018), designed by Stefano Macaluso.
The 8010 was designed by Stefano’s father. And he designed the “son” to the laureato 8010. The laureato 38 mm 81005.
Both architects by training. Both sought inspiration from architecture. Mirroring the structural magnificence, that embraces and yet withstands the winds of change.
Transcend time.
Past, present, future.
We respect the past.
We live in the now.
We make higher forces laugh when we try to anticipate the future.
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Aside:
The neo-vintage period was the golden age for many Swiss watch brands. Late 1980s to 2000. GP is no exception.
Many of these pieces are currently very affordable. They may or may not remain this way in the future. As knowledge increases amongst more collectors, I hope to see increased awareness and sophistication in selection amongst these collectors.
GP history is not alway super clear. Some research is necessary. I hope to share what I have learned along the way and make it easily accessible to other collectors.
So know your history and the provenance/historical importance of certain pieces. It may influence how you look at these pieces.
Have a pleasant Sunday ahead ☀️