Introduced last year, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Eternity Editions represent the epitome of dial variation newness.
Newness is a crucial element in the fashion industry and while Girard-Perregaux is not a fashion label, they like many other watch brands use new dial colors and patterns as a way to offer consumers new products without actually redesigning the watch much at all.
This practice does not produce the most interesting headlines or articles, but it’s efficient, especially if the product line is already doing well — it more or less ensures a certain margin of success. And again, all without the R&D of creating a new timepiece, which helps maintain profit margin.
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Eternity Edition comes in the company’s popular Royal Oak-esque 42 mm x 10.68 mm Laureato case — already in the catalog — with the same movement as before. What’s new are the intricate grand feu guilloche dials, offered in green (Rfe. 81010-11-433011A) or blue dial (Ref. 81010-11-432011A). Each dial is made in the company’s factory in a process that uses enamel (silica, minium, potash, and soda which are ground into a powder), mixed with metal oxides to create different colors. The powder is dusted onto the dial and then fired in an oven at about 800°C. The process is repeated 5-10 times until the proper color and no defects are achieved. The translucent, vibrant green or blue grand feu enamel highlight the gorgeous guilloché-work sunray motif — and most importantly offer a dial variation not often seen on octagonal integrated bracelet timepieces.
Perhaps 2022 will be the year GP updates the Laureato case, and the aging caliber GP01800 movement, instead of merely adding new dial variations. Especially considering AP and Patek are expected to update their best-selling Royal Oak and Nautilus lines in 2022. Although considering the market conditions, and the high demand for octagonal-shaped stainless steel watches with integrated bracelets, perhaps there’s no need.
Each of the Laureato Eternity Editions is limited to 188 pieces and retails for approximately $14,750.
Photos by Girard-Perregaux.
