GIRARD PERREGAUX | S.I.H.H. 2010 | Laureato Quartz 40th Anniversary Model

Laureato Quartz 40th Anniversary

A Rare Quartz Model Commemorating the Quartz Watch Development Race

By Yasuto Shibuya

Just as nearly all current quartz watches are based on the 32,768 Hz frequency set by Girard-Perregaux, the brand led the development of quartz watches as a top Swiss runner in the late 1960s, competing with Japan's Seiko for the world's first release. This is a premium quartz watch produced in a limited run of only 40 pieces to commemorate that history. The mainplate and battery cover of the in-house quartz movement "GP13500," visible through the see-through case back, are adorned with decorations such as Côtes de Genève, similar to mechanical watches, befitting a limited edition model. The perfectly balanced design of the case and bracelet, with its 1970s flair, is also captivating.

Quartz, stainless steel case and bracelet, 42.6mm diameter, see-through back, limited to 40 pieces worldwide, ¥1,155,000 (estimated retail price), scheduled for release in August 2010

BRAND HISTORY

Girard-Perregaux, one of the few brands with a fully integrated manufacturing system, is a key player in the watchmaking world, with its foundations laid by two great watchmakers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The first was Jean-François Bautte, who established a watch workshop in Geneva in 1791. He was favored by those in power for his many thin pocket watches and established a modern production line in the early 1820s. The second was Constant Girard, who founded the predecessor company of Girard-Perregaux in '52. In '67, he created the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, a design that continues to be inherited in current models. He won gold medals twice at the Paris Universal Exposition and, at the request of German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1880, also produced wristwatches.

After the management of each company was passed down through the founder's descendants, the foundation of the current Girard-Perregaux company was established in 1906 when the management rights of the company founded by Bautte were transferred to Girard-Perregaux.

From the mid to late 20th century, the company established a solid position in the Swiss watch industry through its overwhelming technical prowess, including the first mass production of high-beat movements at 36,000 vibrations per hour, the re-creation of the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, and the development of the world's smallest automatic chronograph movement. Currently, it also functions as a supplier, leveraging its high technical capabilities to provide movements to other brands.

Founded: 1791
Place of Origin: Geneva, Switzerland
Main Series: Vintage 1945, Laureato EVO3, ww.tc, Worldtimer
Inquiries: Girard-Perregaux (Sowind Japan)
Cat's Eye

Official Website: http://www.gp-japan.co.jp/