Introduction Girard Perregaux is one of the most esteemed luxury watch Maisons in the world. Its origins date back to 1791. Known for its iconic creations like the Tourbillon with three-bridges and the Constant Escapement, the La Chaux-de-Fonds based manufacture introduced its first luxury sports watch Laureato in the mid-1970s. Now more than ever, the watchmaking world is experiencing a surge in the demand of luxury sports watches. In this high-premium segment, pioneers like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus continue to be highly sought-after. Due to the scarcity and limited production, the selling prices of these timepieces have been skyrocketing. Tapping the progressive trend, several watch brands have ventured into this category by introducing their own interpretations. Both AP Royal Oak and PP Nautilus typically comes with highly inflated price tags, thus the customers have to pursue for other much more affordable options. We now recommend Girard Perregaux Laureato as the most outstanding alternative since it incorporates all the characteristics of a luxury sports watch. History 81005-11-231-11A The GP Laureato watch series was introduced in 1975. These high-end sports timepieces stand out with raised, octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet and satin-finished case. The first-generation models were equipped with extremely precise quartz movements developed by Girard Perregaux. The brand has subsequently expanded this collection by releasing new references featuring quartz or mechanical movements. For example, in 1995 the brand released new models with broader cases. In the same way, Girard Perregaux created chronographs and other high-complication watches like the Laureato Tourbillon with Three Bridges. In 2016, to mark the 225th anniversary of the Manufacture, the brand revived the Laureato family. Girard Perregaux Laureato Collection Laureato is a sporty elegant GP watch that fuses functionality with modern aesthetics while assuring comfortable wearing experience. Presently, the brand is offering various iterations of this iconic timepiece. Depending upon the version, they feature 904L stainless-steel, 18K gold, Carbon Fiber, Carbon Glass, Titanium or Sapphire crystal cases. Choices offered include basic models with quartz or automatic movements, mechanical skeleton watches, chronographs, and high-end complications like perpetual calendar and tourbillon. As on date, the retail price range of GP Laureato in Hong Kong is approximately HK$85K to HK$750K. Let us analyze each model from this premium sports watch collection. (1) Girard Perregaux Laureato Automatic 42mm 81010-11-131-11A This is the most basic model of the present Laureato series. This 42mm watch is an excellent alternative to the AP Royal Oak Self-winding. It is available in 904L stainless steel, black ceramic and 18K gold versions. Equipped with the in-house calibre GP01800, Laureato 42mm automatic models display the hour, minute and seconds with centrally placed hands and the date via an aperture at 3 o’clock. Endowed with haute-horlogerie decorations and finishings, this self-winding movement offers a power reserve of 54 hours. They come with different dial options. For example, the brand is presently offering a number of Laureatos featuring striking Clous de Paris pattern dials in colors like blue, green, silver and black. The GP Eternity Edition models come with a shimmering grand-feu enamel dial with a guilloché sunray motif. The 18K rose gold Girard Perregaux Laureato stands out with a captivating black onyx dial. All the models are supplied with three-link integrated bracelets. The price range of 42mm Laureato is HK$110K to HK$430K. The brand is also offering 38mm versions of the classic Laureato automatic watch. (2) Girard Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 81020-11-431-11A The Laureato series is offering a number of self-winding chronograph watches featuring stainless steel or rose gold case. They are driven by the tried and tested GP03300 calibre with a power reserve of 46 hours. The dial with Clous de Paris pattern hosts three counters (small seconds as well as chronograph 30-minute and 12-H registers) and a date window at 4.30H position. Made of 904L stainless steel or 18K gold, the case measures 42mm diameter. Among the various dial color choices available, the Girard Perregaux Laureato Panda model in 904L stainless steel stands out with its silver Clous de Paris dial featuring black dials inspired by the iconic panda style. The brand is also offering a blue dial Laureato chronographs in steel and 18-carat pink gold. This series also has a special Aston Martin Edition featuring a green dial with a cross-hatching pattern. Depending upon the version, each self-winding Girard Perregaux Laureato Chronograph comes with a matching metal integrated bracelet or alligator leather strap. The approximate price range is HK$136K to HK$328K. (3) Girard Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Pic Source: girard-perregaux.com With its open-worked design, the Laureato Skeleton watch invites you to admire the choreography of the intrinsic horological mechanisms. This 42mm watch is available in stainless steel, 18K pink gold and black ceramic versions. It displays the hour, minute and small seconds. This contemporary-styled Girard Perregaux timepiece houses an open-worked version of the famous GP1800 caliber. Depending upon the model, the self-winding movement is adorned with blue or anthracite gray coating. Its power reserve is 54 hours. The price range of the Laureato Skeleton lineup is about HK$343K to HK$620K. (4) Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute 81065-21-491-FH6A This series represents a more advanced and sophisticated facet of the GP Laureato family. These exceptionally built timekeepers are made of most modern materials like titanium, carbon fiber, carbon glass or sapphire crystal. The Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute line-up is primarily comprised of three-hand with date and chronograph models. Displaying the date at 6 o’clock, the Absolute automatic watch in 44mm diameter Titanium PVD or Titanium 230 case houses the GP03300-1060 calibre. They come with gradient or sunray-finished dials. Equipped with the GP03300 self-winding calibre, the Absolute chronograph features a 44mm diameter case in titanium PVD. The chronograph watch is also available in special editions Absolute Aston Martin F1, Absolute Gold Fever, Absolute Crystal Rock, Absolute Rock and Absolute Wired. The retail price range of the Absolute line-up is HK$86K to HK$743K. The most expensive model among them is the GP Absolute Light with the sapphire crystal case, valuing a whopping HK$743K. (5) Girard Perregaux Laureato 34mm Pic Source: girard-perregaux.com The Laureato 34mm collection graciously allows the feminine loyalists of the Girard Perregaux to enjoy the legacy of the iconic luxury sports watch. Available in stainless steel, gold and bi-metal case versions, these ladies’ timepieces house high-precision quartz movement. Boasting a diamond-set bezel, they usually have a two-hand (hour and minute) configuration with the date window at 3 o’clock.  Depending upon the version, metal bracelet or alligator leather strap has been used. The estimated selling price range of these feminine timekeepers is HK$98K to HK$317K.