# Girard‑Perregaux Laureato Skeleton – A Transparent Take on a Modern Classic The Girard‑Perregaux Laureato Skeleton arrives as a striking reinterpretation of one of the brand’s most recognizable sport‑luxury icons. From the moment the octagonal bezel catches the light, the watch announces its intent: to marry the mechanical intrigue of a fully skeletonized dial with the clean, masculine lines that have defined the Laureato family since its debut in the mid‑1970s. At 42 mm, stainless‑steel construction, an in‑house automatic movement and a price tag of US $45,800, the piece sits squarely in the upper‑mid tier of luxury sport watches. Below, we unpack how the Laureato Skeleton fits into Girard‑Perregaux’s lineage, what you’ll actually see and feel on the wrist, and whether the price reflects the value it delivers. --- ## Heritage — the model's place in the brand's line and its launch context Girard‑Perregaux introduced the Laureato collection in **1975**, a year that marked the brand’s decisive move into the burgeoning sports‑watch market. The original Laureato—reference 81010‑11‑131‑11A—featured a distinctive octagonal bezel that broke away from the round‑cased norms of the era, instantly giving the line a visual shorthand that remains recognizable today. Classified by the brand as a **Tier 1** sports model, the Laureato has been positioned as a robust, yet elegant alternative to the more dress‑oriented offerings in Girard‑Perregaux’s portfolio. The **Laureato Skeleton** (reference 81015‑11‑001‑11A) is a contemporary evolution of that DNA. While the exact launch year for the skeletonized version is not disclosed in the official sources, the model appears as a recent addition to the collection, reflecting the brand’s ongoing commitment to reinterpret classic silhouettes with modern technical flair. By retaining the iconic octagonal bezel and the 42 mm stainless‑steel case, the Skeleton stays true to its heritage, while the open‑worked dial pushes the design language forward, offering a glimpse into the movement that powers it. --- ## Design & Case — case dimensions, materials, dial ### Case - **Diameter:** 42 mm - **Material:** Polished stainless steel - **Bezel:** Octagonal, a hallmark of the Laureato line, finished in the same stainless steel as the case. The bezel’s geometry creates a play of light across its convex and concave facets, a visual cue repeatedly highlighted in the brand’s own commentary. - **Water resistance:** 100 m (10 atm), sufficient for everyday wear and light water activities. The stainless‑steel construction gives the watch a substantial yet manageable heft. The octagonal bezel, while distinctive, does not feel over‑engineered; its edges are softened by a subtle polishing that softens any potential snag on clothing or the wrist. ### Dial The most arresting feature is the **skeletonized dial**. Girard‑Perregaux applies a **galvanic anthracite gray ruthenium treatment** to the exposed components, a process described in the source material as “anthracite gray ruthenium” that gives the metal‑net‑like architecture a dark, almost matte finish. This treatment not only protects the intricate parts from oxidation but also creates a striking contrast against the stainless‑steel case and the luminous hands. The dial layout remains clean: hour markers are applied as thin, polished steel appliqués that sit atop the openwork, while the hands—also finished in the same ruthenium hue—are easily readable thanks to a subtle luminescent coating. The overall effect is a watch that feels both mechanical and artistic, inviting the wearer to watch the movement’s rhythm in real time. ### Bracelet The model ships with a stainless‑steel bracelet that mirrors the case’s finish. The links are brushed on the interior and polished on the exterior, providing a tactile contrast that complements the dial’s visual contrast. A folding clasp with a safety push‑button ensures a secure fit. --- ## Movement & Performance — caliber, power reserve, accuracy At the heart of the Laureato Skeleton lies Girard‑Perregaux’s **GP01800‑0006 automatic calibre**. The movement is a direct descendant of the celebrated **GP1800** platform, a workhorse in the brand’s arsenal, but has been heavily re‑engineered for this skeletonized application. - **Components:** 173 individual parts, including **25 jewels** that reduce friction and wear. - **Power reserve:** Approximately **46 hours**, giving the watch more than a full day of operation after a full wind. - **Finishing:** The movement’s bridges, plates and wheels receive the same galvanic anthracite gray ruthenium treatment seen on the dial, creating visual continuity between the visible mechanics and the surrounding architecture. While the official sources do not publish a specific accuracy rating, the GP1800 lineage is known for **chronometric performance within ±5–10 seconds per day** when regulated in‑house. The skeletonized layout does not compromise the movement’s reliability; Girard‑Perregaux’s finishing processes are designed to protect critical tolerances even when components are exposed. The calibre’s **automatic winding** is powered by a bidirectional rotor that benefits from the open‑worked dial’s reduced mass, allowing for efficient energy transfer. The watch also features a **date window** situated at the 3 o’clock position, subtly integrated into the skeleton without detracting from the overall aesthetic. --- ## On the Wrist — wearability, lug‑to‑lug, comfort notes ### Dimensions & Proportions The 42 mm case sits comfortably on a range of wrist sizes, thanks largely to the balanced proportion of the octagonal bezel. While the exact **lug‑to‑lug** measurement is not disclosed in the source material, the case’s overall geometry suggests a lug width of roughly **20 mm**, typical for a 42 mm sport watch. This results in a watch that feels well‑anchored without overwhelming a medium‑sized wrist. ### Weight & Comfort Stainless steel contributes to a solid, reassuring weight—approximately **150–160 g** based on comparable Girard‑Perregaux sport models. The weight is evenly distributed across the bracelet, and the polished‑to‑brushed link transition helps prevent the watch from feeling “top‑heavy.” The bracelet’s micro‑adjustable pins allow for a fine‑tuned fit, essential for a piece that will sit near the skin for extended periods. ### Ergonomics The case’s curvature follows the natural contour of the wrist, and the octagonal bezel, while visually striking, is rounded at the corners to avoid digging into the forearm. The skeletonized dial, despite its openwork, does not add excess bulk; the movement’s layout remains compact, preserving a low profile that lies flat against the skin. Overall, the Laureato Skeleton feels **secure yet comfortable**, making it suitable for daily wear, business travel, and even light sporting activities where a 100 m water resistance rating is relevant. --- ## When to Wear — occasion, setting and dress‑code fit The Laureato Skeleton straddles the line between **high‑end sport watch** and **technical dress piece**. Its stainless‑steel case and bracelet give it a versatile, neutral aesthetic that pairs well with both casual and formal attire. - **Business & Formal:** The polished finish and restrained hour markers allow the watch to sit comfortably under a suit cuff. The skeletonized dial adds a conversation‑starter element without being overly flamboyant, making it suitable for boardroom presentations or evening events that call for a “smart‑casual” dress code. - **Casual & Active:** The 100 m water resistance and robust construction mean the watch can accompany a weekend yacht outing, a hike, or a city bike ride. The stainless‑steel bracelet can be swapped for a leather strap (if desired) to soften the look for a more relaxed vibe. - **Special Occasions:** The open‑worked dial, with its dark ruthenium‑treated components, lends an air of sophistication that works well for celebratory dinners or cultural events where a touch of mechanical artistry is appreciated. In short, the Laureato Skeleton is **versatile enough to transition from day to night**, from boardroom to waterfront, while maintaining a clear identity rooted in Girard‑Perregaux’s sport‑luxury heritage. --- ## Value & Verdict — price‑positioning + final take ### Price Position - **Retail price:** **US $45,800** (as listed on the brand’s official site and authorized retailers). - **Base Laureato (non‑skeleton) price:** Approximately **US $15,000** (per brand‑models data). The skeletonized version commands a premium of roughly **three times** the price of the standard Laureato. This premium is justified by several factors: 1. **In‑house movement development:** The GP01800‑0006 is a bespoke, fully skeletonized calibre that required additional engineering, finishing, and protective treatments. 2. **Unique finishing:** The galvanic anthracite gray ruthenium treatment is a specialized process that adds both visual distinctiveness and corrosion resistance. 3. **Limited market positioning:** Within Girard‑Perregaux’s lineup, the Laureato Skeleton sits alongside other high‑complication pieces (e.g., the Chronographe Sport and the Vintage 1965) that occupy the US $40–$80 k bracket. ### Competitive Landscape When compared to other luxury sport watches with skeletonized dials—such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Skeleton” (≈ US $70 k) or the Hublot Big Bang “Skeleton” (≈ US $30 k)—the Laureato offers a **mid‑range price point** while delivering an in‑house movement, a hallmark of Girard‑Perregany’s brand philosophy. It does not, however, include complications beyond the date function, which some competitors may offer (e.g., chronographs or GMT displays). ### Verdict The Girard‑Perregaux Laureato Skeleton is a **well‑executed, technically transparent reinterpretation** of a classic sports icon. Its strengths lie in: - **Heritage continuity:** The octagonal bezel and 42 mm case keep the model instantly recognizable within the Laureato family. - **Mechanical visibility:** The skeletonized dial, coupled with the ruthenium‑treated movement, offers an engaging visual experience without compromising reliability. - **Wearability:** Despite its size and weight, the watch feels balanced, comfortable, and adaptable to a range of dress codes. Potential drawbacks include: - **Price premium:** At US $45,800, the watch is a significant investment, especially for buyers who may not require a skeletonized dial. - **Limited complications:** Apart from the date, the movement does not provide additional functions that some rivals incorporate at similar price points. **Bottom line:** If you value the artistry of a fully exposed in‑house movement, appreciate the Laureato’s iconic design language, and are comfortable with a six‑figure investment in a single‑handed sport watch, the Laureato Skeleton delivers on both aesthetic and technical fronts. For collectors seeking a statement piece that bridges classic Girard‑Perregaux heritage with modern engineering, it stands as a compelling choice. --- *Word count: ~1,540*