Credits: Article and images by Raman Kalra @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/04/29/girard-perregaux-laureato-an-underappreciated-royal-oak-alternative/
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And it doesn’t stop there. Looking at the pictures of the Laureato, it looks relatively flat despite most them having the Clous de Paris dial. The indices and hands are perfectly flat, and the bracelet and case finishing rely on small details such as the beveling and the direction of the brushed finishing.
The beauty of the Laureato is hard to capture in photos. It is a watch that exceeds expectations in person. This all then leads back around to social media and the ability to get a good photo leading to likes and building a following. It is just tougher with the Laureato – less demand and more availability.
Finally, it could come down to value retention. Some view watches as pure investments, others aim to retain value as much as possible (who wouldn’t?) and the rest just don’t care. The split between these categories is anyone’s guess, but let’s just say there are a fair few in the first two categories. When considering an investment or value retention, you look at the RRP and then compare it to the secondary market on Chrono24 or eBay to give you an idea of how much money you might get back in 5 years when you look for something new. If you were to do this for the Laureato, the numbers are likely to be smaller than you imagine.
As mentioned earlier, some models are even available are below retail for unworn examples (at the time of writing). This immediately puts off the ‘investment’ group and gives some pause for thought for those wanting as much retention as possible. These consumers might then move on and look for the next watch. This then affects the brand perception as it does not fall into the Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe category. The circle completes.
Is the Laureato worth considering?
This is what it all comes down to. Is the Laureato a watch worth your time, consideration and money? Of course! This is one to see in person to fully appreciate how much is on offer. There are several why you can still easily find a Laureato, and it will come down to your motives behind buying such a watch.
There is no right or wrong answer here. All luxury watch purchases are unnecessary and driven by how a watch makes you feel. However, I can’t help but think that the Laureato is the thinking person’s Royal Oak. You get a similar watch, with the history, from a high-quality brand at potentially half the price.
On top of that, there are different sizes and complications so you can really end up with the watch that you want. Yes, there are some aspects of finishing that might not rival the watches it tries to compete against, but it is no slouch either.
Unless you are completely sold on owning a Royal Oak or Nautilus, the Laureato should be in the conversation. Who knows, you might prefer the octagonal bezel of the Royal Oak, with some of the added softness of the oval Nautilus. Not forgetting having money left over as well.
For more information, please visit www.girard-perregaux.com/row_en/81010-11-431-11a.html
Quick facts: Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42 mm
Indications: centre seconds, date, hours and minutes
Dial : blue with Clous de Paris pattern
Dimensions: 42 mm x 11 mm
Case: stainless steel
Movement: Caliber GP01800, automatic winding, 4 Hz/28,800 vph, 28 jewels
Power reserve: 54 hours
Water resistance: 100 m
Bracelet: steel with triple folding clasp
Price: $14,300
You can read more articles by Raman Kalra at www.thewatchmuse.com.
* This article was first published 13 May 2023 at Girard-Perregaux Laureato: The Underappreciated Royal Oak Substitute?
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Credits: Article and images by Raman Kalra @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/04/29/girard-perregaux-laureato-an-underappreciated-royal-oak-alternative/