What We Know:
Girard-Perregaux first introduced the “GP Chronometer” in 1975, fifty years ago. The overwhelming welcome from Italian collectors prompted the manufacturer to rename the model “Laureato officially”—Italian for “the graduate.” Some aspects have changed over the last 50 years (the original largest size was 35mm, and it is now 42mm). However, the DNA remains intact: the unusual octagonal bezel set within the tonneau-shaped case and the integrated bracelet are still the line’s distinguishing features, as seen in the current model, the Laureato 42mm “Infinite Grey”.
Naturally, the octagonal case shape remains untouched, sitting proudly atop the line’s signature tonneau-shaped case. But, if you’re like me, your attention is drawn to the Grand Feu enamel dial, which is made of a precise blend of silica, minium, potash, and soda that has been precisely pulverized and mixed with metal oxides to give that faint bluish-grey hue.
It is then carefully deposited onto the dial and burned in a kiln at roughly 800°C, which is repeated five to ten times. Because of the uncertainty of this process, some dials are rejected for minor flaws, but those that survive will last. The alternating polished and satin-brushed steel surfaces, which measure 42mm wide but are just 10.68mm thick, add visual complexity while keeping good proportion.
This new Laureato 42mm, like the first model introduced in 1975, is powered by an in-house calibre—this time, the GP01800 automatic movement, which was entirely developed and built at the manufacturer’s facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This self-winding movement, being only 3.97mm thick, has a power reserve of 54 hours. It features some very excellent finishing: a pink gold oscillating weight with circular Côtes de Genève, straight Côtes de Genève on the bridges, mirror-polished screws, bevelled edges, and circular graining on the main plate. It’s certainly easy on the eyes.
The movement, which has 191 components and 28 jewels, runs at 28,800 mph and has functions for hours, minutes, central seconds, and dates. The integrated steel bracelet has the same polished and satin finish as the case, while rhodium-plated baton hands and a slim central seconds hand (with a counterweight inspired by GP’s Gold Bridge) round off the package.
The Laureato 42mm “Infinite Grey” is available worldwide today, June 23, 2025, at all Girard-Perregaux stores for $17,900.
Our Take on Girard-Perregaux
To be honest, when I initially heard “42mm grey dial,” my reaction was lukewarm. But as I put this Laureato on my wrist, it completely changed my mood. Yes, 42mm is still hefty for my tiny wrist, and it may still be stretching the boundaries, but the slim 10.68mm case height makes it wear more beautifully than the breadth dimensions suggest.
As for the grey dial, whatever reservations I had were quickly dispelled when I saw the enamel work in person. This isn’t a dull, lifeless grey. It’s a live, breathing surface with faint blue undertones and a stunning sunray flinqué design beneath the enamel. The Grand Feu method produces depth that is nearly impossible to depict in photographs—and I was won over.
If I’m being picky, the date aperture glass feels a little too little for the overall dial proportions—perhaps a little larger on each side would improve both legibility and visual harmony. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something I noticed when wearing it around the office. Aside from that little point, this latest collection exemplifies everything that distinguishes the Laureato brand and is an appropriate approach to commemorate the collection’s 50th anniversary.
Girard-Perregaux: Key Highlights
Brand: Girard-Perregaux.
Model: Laureato 42MM “Infinite Grey” (Reference Number: 81010-11-3475-1CM)
Diameter: 42.00 mm
Case Thickness: 10.68 mm. Steel, polished and satin-finished.
Dial Colour: Grey enamel with flinqué sunray design.
Indexes: rhodium-plated GP logo and indexes.
Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM)
Strap/Bracelet: Steel bracelet with polished and satin finishes (integrated).
The movement
The calibre is GP01800.
Functions: hours, minutes, central second, and date.
Diameter: 30 mm.
Thickness: 3.97mm
Power reserve: 54 hours.
Winding: Self-winding mechanical movement.
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).
Jewels: 28.
Girard-Perregaux Watch Pricing & Availability
Price: $17,900.
Availability: Now.
Limited Edition: no.
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