# Girard‑Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 42 mm Review Girard‑Perregaux’s Laureato line has been a staple of the brand’s sport‑luxury portfolio since its 1975 debut, and the 42 mm Chronograph is the newest expression of that heritage. Housed in the iconic octagonal case, it pairs the brand’s celebrated “genetic code” aesthetic with a fully in‑house chronograph movement (GP03300). In everyday wear it aims to be a “casual‑chic” companion that can handle a weekend sailing trip as comfortably as a boardroom meeting. Below we break down how the watch lives up to that promise, looking at design, the heart of the watch, wrist feel, and whether the price aligns with what you get. ## Design & Case The Laureato Chronograph 42 mm stays true to the collection’s signature geometry: a robust octagonal case measuring exactly 42 mm in diameter, a size that sits comfortably between classic dress‑watch proportions and the larger sport models that dominate the market today. The case is finished with Girard‑Perregaux’s “Haute Horlogerie” detailing – a term the brand uses for its meticulous polishing, beveled edges, and subtle brushed‑on‑polished contrast that gives the piece a refined, almost tactile, visual depth. A hallmark of the Laureato family is the “genetic code” that guides every aesthetic tweak. On this chronograph, the code manifests in the placement of the sub‑dials and the shape of the pushers, which echo the angular language of the case while remaining ergonomically friendly. The dial is clean and legible, featuring two large chronograph counters at 3 and 6 o’clock, a small‑seconds indicator at 9 o’clock, and a date window at 4 o’clock. The hour markers are applied, and the hands are finished with a blued steel tip, providing a subtle splash of colour against the predominantly silver‑tone face. Water resistance is rated at 100 m (10 atm), which is adequate for rain, swimming, and shallow snorkeling, but it does not position the watch as a true dive instrument. The crystal is a sapphire‑glass disc with anti‑reflective coating on both sides, offering excellent scratch resistance and clarity. ## Movement & Performance At the heart of the Laureato Chronograph lies Girard‑Perregaux’s in‑house GP03300 self‑winding mechanical calibre. This is a chronograph movement that drives two 30‑minute counters, a small‑seconds sub‑dial, and a date complication. The calibre is built on the brand’s proven automatic platform, with a column‑wheel chronograph mechanism that delivers the “particularly smooth activation of its pushers” praised by the manufacturer. While the official power‑reserve specification is not disclosed in the public data, Girard‑Perregaux notes that the movement offers a “comfortable” reserve, which typically translates to around 48 hours for its similar automatic platforms. Accuracy is described as “impeccably accurate” – a claim that aligns with the brand’s reputation for tight tolerances and rigorous testing, though real‑world performance will always vary with wear and regulation. The chronograph’s column‑wheel design, as opposed to a cam‑type system, provides a crisp, decisive start‑stop feel that enthusiasts often prefer. The pushers are positioned ergonomically, allowing for quick, confident operation without the need to adjust grip. ## On the Wrist The Laureato Chronograph’s 42 mm case makes a confident statement, yet its proportion is surprisingly versatile. The lug‑to‑lug spread, while not explicitly measured in the source material, is well‑balanced thanks to the octagonal geometry, which distributes mass evenly across the wrist. The watch sits comfortably on both larger and smaller wrists, though those with very small wrists may find the case a touch imposing. Weight is moderate; the combination of stainless‑steel (the implied material for the case) and the in‑house movement gives the piece a solid, reassuring heft without feeling clunky. The bracelet (or optional strap) is designed to complement the case’s angular lines, with a fold‑over clasp that locks securely while allowing for quick release. Comfort notes: the sapphire crystal’s anti‑reflective coating reduces glare, and the 100 m water resistance means you can wear the watch during most water‑related activities without worry. However, the watch is not a diver’s tool, and the lack of a helium escape valve means it should be avoided in professional saturation diving. The chronograph’s pushers are smooth, but the column‑wheel mechanism can be slightly louder than a cam‑type chronograph when the start‑stop lever is engaged – a minor annoyance for those who prefer whisper‑quiet operation. ## Value & Verdict Girard‑Perregaux positions the Laureato line in the upper‑mid tier of luxury sports watches. The broader Laureato model is listed at approximately **$15,000 USD** in the brand’s catalogue, and the Chronograph variant, with its in‑house movement and additional complications, sits in a comparable price bracket – typically ranging from $15,000 to $18,000 depending on market and configuration. When you weigh the price against what you receive, the watch delivers a solid value proposition for several reasons: * **In‑house movement** – The GP03300 is a fully developed Girard‑Perregaux calibre, offering the prestige of a proprietary chronograph rather than a third‑party module. * **Finish quality** – The “Haute Horlogerie” detailing is evident on the case, dial, and hands, reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. * **Versatility** – The 42 mm size and balanced design make it suitable for both casual and semi‑formal settings, a true “casual‑chic” piece. On the flip side, the watch does have a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. The water resistance, while adequate for everyday activities, falls short of the 200 m+ standards seen on many competing sport chronographs. The power‑reserve figure is not officially published, leaving a small information gap for those who rely on long‑duration wear without winding. Finally, the price sits at the higher end of the market for a 42 mm chronograph, meaning you are paying a premium for brand heritage and finishing rather than groundbreaking technical innovation. **Verdict:** The Girard‑Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 42 mm is a well‑executed, aesthetically cohesive watch that lives up to the brand’s storied legacy. Its in‑house movement, refined finishing, and versatile size make it a compelling choice for collectors who value heritage and design over raw technical specs. If you can accept the modest water resistance and the premium price tag, the Laureato Chronograph stands as a confident, elegant addition to any luxury sports‑watch rotation.