GIRARD-PERREGAUX Laureato Automatic ref. 8010

Seen as an answer to the Royal Oak, Nautilus, and Overseas, the GIRARD-PERREGAUX Laureato would be the winner of 'The most underappreciated watch' contest if there was. Terrific in-house movement, great design, long-lasting history, basically the watch ticks all the boxes. However, in reality, it is not something that comes to mind when the term 'luxury sports watch' pops up.

Here shows a transitional Laureato back in the 90s. Measuring 36 mm in diametre, this watch is a perfect blend of vintage and modern watch size. The octagonal bezel can lead to some comparisons with the Royal Oak, however to us, they are 'same same but very different'. Like most other sports watches, the case is fashioned out of stainless steel with brushed finish, sparing the bezel and middle bracelet links which are mirror polished. The best feature must the thinness, an incredible 8 mm from top to bottom. The watch sits extra-flat on the wrist.

Another key factor is the dial excecuted with Clous de Paris pattern. That with the grey colour look strong, masculine and sometimes give a bit of distraction. The pattern stays very true to the originals, and GP still uses the same approach up to now. Everything together brings the wearer some self-confidence and as a statement "I am in the game".

Powers the watch is the in-house calibre 3100 which is just merely thin at 2.98 mm, featuring a date complication.