Girard-Perregaux

Girard Perregaux Laureato Infinity "Cadran Onyx" Limited Edition 42mm stainless steel on a bracelet with an extremely rare handcrafted deep black onyx and rose gold dial. Limited edition of only 188 and this stunning example is engraved "One of 188." 

The Laureato Infinity Edition is equipped with a handcrafted deep black onyx dial. Rose gold accents appear from the darkness, drawing the eyes to the information presented. This blend of aesthetic codes also features in other members of the Infinity collection, an expression of the brand’s infinite passion and unwavering respect for craftsmanship. Featuring a pink-gold rotor, it operates at 28,800 vph and has a 54-hour power reserve. The slim 3.97mm height of the GP1800 allows for the Laureato to have a slim 10.7mm case thickness.

The Laureato Infinity is available in 42mm and is housed in a stainless steel case which, along with the black onyx dial, provides the perfect foil for the various indications to shine. The silver-toned baton-shaped hour and minute hands emulate the appearance of the steel case, while the central seconds hand, applied indexes and GP logo, all formed of pink gold, reinforce the overall sense of luxury. The date is conveyed with white numerals set against a black disc, matching the hue of the dial. The date window appears to almost be absorbed into the smooth, lustrous dial. The appeal isn’t simply the novelty of the onyx, because it’s actually quite subtle, but actively contributes to and enhances all the aspects of a great dial.

This stunning Laureato Infinity Limited Edition features an in-house self-winding movement, enhanced with traditional finishing and a pink gold oscillating weight. Consistent with Laureato tradition, alternating satin and polished finishes feature throughout. Great care is required when polishing the case and bracelet to ensure each type of finish is discrete with crisp delineation. The raised octagonal bezel features convex and concave surfaces which toy with light, culminating in alternating pockets of brilliance and shade.

The black onyx used for the dial draws on the expertise of time-served craftspeople who shape and polish the material by hand. Creating thin dials from onyx requires no fewer than 15 different operations, however, the resultant surface looks exquisite with its mirror-like appearance. The marriage of deep black onyx and pink gold accents delivers a becoming contrast, a trait synonymous with the Laureato name.

The black onyx dial with pink gold indices creates something that can’t be faked: mood. I look at it and see the dial the modern Laureato should have always had, and not only because it distinguishes itself from Nautilus/Royal Oaks of the world. There’s a beauty to the dial’s stark simplicity, like a deep black mirror, matched with the stylized octagonal bezel and case. To my sensibilities, it’s just right. I can’t say that I’m too familiar with how onyx is worked and treated, but I do know that it’s not the easiest material to work with, which is believable when you consider how rarely it is actually used in watchmaking. In fact, the whole Infinity series is distinctive simply by its use of the material. On working with onyx, Girard-Perregaux says, “The black onyx used for the dial draws on the expertise of time-served craftspeople who shape and polish the material by hand. Creating thin dials from onyx requires no fewer than 15 different operations…”

CEO of Girard-Perregaux, Patrick Pruniaux remarks, “We have entrusted Wempe with this latest version of our iconic watch, the Laureato. This highlights the importance we place on our partnership and marks a positive milestone for both companies. We choose to work together for the benefit of both parties and, most importantly, our customers. Both Wempe and ourselves care about quality and traditions. This may be in the form of a beautifully finished movement or, likewise, high-quality service from a courteous and knowledgeable member of Wempe’s staff. Both of our companies have long histories and share common values which explains why we chose this Inifinity model as a metaphor for a partnership we hope will last long into the future.”  

For Geneva Watch Days, Girard-Perregaux just dropped what might be my favorite watch of theirs in recent memory. Done in collaboration with Wempe, GP released a series of three “Infinity” watches, but the one I’m taken with is the classic steel Laureato 42mm (there’s a 38mm with diamond bezel, as well). Limited to 188 pieces, the Laureato Infinity features a series of design choices that both bolsters and shows a fresh side of the collection.

Exclusively distributed by Wempe, this 42mm Laureato Infinity limited edition of only 188 pieces was only available in select points of sale across Germany, as well as its flagship stores in New York and London, beginning in September 2020.

Founded in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest fine watchmaking manufacturers still in operation in Switzerland today. Our history is dotted with exceptional creations that bridge aesthetics and functionality to reveal the value of time. These include the iconic Laureato, born in 1975, as well as our Tourbillon "With Three Gold Bridges" which made the invisible visible, transforming bridges from just a technical element to an integral part of the timepiece — a first in watchmaking. 

Fits a wrist size of 8 inches or smaller.