Introducing: The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Three Gold Bridges

The new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Three Gold Bridges is the latest introduction to celebrate the iconic watch’s 50th birthday. Just last month, the Fifty debuted to great fanfare with its purely retro appearance. Today’s release blends the original look with one of Girard-Perregaux’s most well-known contributions to watchmaking. The triple-bridge movement was introduced in 1867, so the application on the Laureato truly bridges old and new.

Girard-Perregaux has a strong tie within my family. After all, my father purchased a high-frequency model in the early ’70s on my parents’ honeymoon. Today’s Laureato Three Gold Bridges partially has its roots in this era, but its movement stems from a much earlier time. Once again, this is a special release and actually comes with a second offering, so it’s definitely worth a longer look.

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Three Gold Bridges

Just last month, Girard-Perregaux shared a two-tone reissue of the original Laureato, called the Fifty. It was a well-received release, even if it was a bit expensive. Today’s releases certainly won’t represent a move down the price ladder, but they’re interesting nonetheless. The new stainless steel Laureato Three Gold Bridges adds a white gold octagonal bezel and a fully skeletonized dial. The 41mm watch has an 11.25mm profile and a 30m water resistance rating.

Another version is also available. It follows the first but dons a white gold bezel set with 32 baguette-cut diamonds, totaling 3.2 carats.

The three gold bridges are fully on display

Whether viewed from the front or through the rear sapphire display, the Laureato Three Gold Bridges shows off the brand’s gorgeous GP09620-2206 tourbillon caliber. This 303-component movement boasts a micro-rotor made of 950 platinum. Each bridge is crafted from 18K white gold and shows off polished anglage and brushed surfaces. Specification-wise, the movement has 55 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 21,600vph. Like many tourbillons, the small seconds are displayed directly on the cage.

A lovely view

Open-worked dials aren’t always to my liking, but the Laureato Three Gold Bridges brings a sense of style through its symmetry. It’s a gorgeous movement that deserves to be seen. The watch’s luminous hands and hour markers are legible but blend in well enough to let the caliber remain as the highlight.

An interesting appetizer before the main course?

If there’s an elephant in the room within the halls of the Laureato Three Gold Bridges release, it’s probably asking the question we are all thinking. Namely, will Girard-Perregaux give us stainless steel and full-gold regular-production versions of its throwback Laureato? Let’s see. For now, the non-diamond version of this watch is limited to an appropriate 50 pieces. The diamond-adorned model is not limited, but I can imagine that the price and look will keep its numbers to an exclusive few. Speaking of the pricing, Girard-Perregaux didn’t share it with us, so these watches are likely expensive. For those who have the means, these should prove to be lovely watches worth owning.