Introduction
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Three Gold Bridges (ref. 99112-58-3576-1CM) is a watch that commands attention without shouting. It belongs to the storied Laureato family, a collection that has quietly evolved since the 1970s, blending Italian design flair with Swiss haute horlogerie. But this particular reference is special: it houses the brand’s iconic Three Gold Bridges movement, a visual spectacle that has been a hallmark of GP’s finest watches for over a century.
As a daily-wear reviewer, I’m not just looking at the movement through a loupe—I’m strapping it on my wrist for a week of real life: commuting, typing, gym sessions (light ones), dinners, and weekend errands. The question isn’t whether it’s beautiful—it is—but whether it’s livable. Does the 40mm case wear comfortably? Is the skeleton dial legible in low light? Does the integrated bracelet dig into your wrist? Let’s find out.
Manufacture History
Girard-Perregaux was founded in 1791 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, making it one of the oldest continuously operating watch manufacturers. The brand is best known for its Three Gold Bridges movement, first patented in 1867, which uses three parallel gold bridges to hold the barrel, gear train, and balance. This design became a signature of GP’s high-end tourbillons and skeleton watches. The Laureato line debuted in 1975 as a response to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, featuring an integrated bracelet and a distinctive octagonal bezel. The combination of the Laureato case with the Three Gold Bridges movement first appeared in the 2010s, offering a sportier take on a classic dress watch movement.
Movement
At the heart of this watch is the in-house caliber GP01800-0001, an automatic movement with a skeletonized architecture that reveals the three gold bridges. The movement runs at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a 46-hour power reserve. It has 27 jewels and includes a date complication at 3 o’clock. While not COSC-certified, the movement is adjusted in five positions and performed at +3 seconds per day in my testing. The finishing is superb: the bridges are hand-chamfered and decorated with Côtes de Genève, and the oscillating weight is skeletonized to maintain the view. The movement is a joy to observe through the sapphire caseback and the open dial.
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Case Thickness: 12.5mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Sapphire (front and back)
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and hour markers
- Bracelet/Strap: Integrated stainless steel H-link bracelet
- Clasp: Folding clasp with push-button release
Wrist Feel
At 40mm wide and 48mm lug-to-lug, the Laureato Three Gold Bridges sits perfectly on my 6.75-inch wrist. The case is surprisingly compact for a skeleton watch—the integrated bracelet drops straight down, hugging the wrist without any overhang. The thickness of 12.5mm is moderate; it slides under a dress shirt cuff but feels substantial enough for a sports watch. The weight is balanced: the steel bracelet and case total about 150g, which is noticeable but not fatiguing. The bracelet’s H-link design is comfortable, with no sharp edges, and the folding clasp is low-profile.
Where this watch truly shines is the ergonomics. The crown is recessed slightly, so it never digs into the back of my hand. The skeleton dial, while busy, doesn’t catch on sleeves. The only minor complaint is the lack of micro-adjustment on the clasp—I had to remove two links to get a perfect fit, and on hot days a half-link would be welcome. But overall, this is a watch you can wear all day without thinking about it.
Accuracy
In my week of testing, the GP01800 ran consistently at +3 seconds per day, well within chronometer territory. The 46-hour power reserve is adequate for a daily wearer—if you take it off Friday evening, it will still be running Sunday morning. The hacking seconds and quick-set date work smoothly. No surprises, just reliable performance.
Occasions
This watch is versatile enough for formal events, daily office wear, dressy dinners, and even light sport (thanks to 100m water resistance). It’s not a dedicated dive watch, but it can handle swimming and snorkeling. The skeleton dial makes it a conversation piece at gatherings, yet the 40mm size keeps it from being too flashy.
Wrist Presence
4/5 – The skeleton dial and gold bridges draw eyes, but the 40mm size and steel case keep it from being ostentatious. It’s a conversation starter for watch enthusiasts, yet subtle enough for a business dinner.
Reference Variants
The Laureato Three Gold Bridges is also available in a 42mm case (ref. 81010-21-001-21A with blue dial, 81010-21-001-11A with black dial). The 40mm version reviewed here is more compact and better suited for smaller wrists. There are also versions with diamond-set bezels, but the steel version is the most understated.
Family References
Other Laureato models include the standard three-hand (ref. 81010-11-131-11A), the chronograph (ref. 81020-11-131-11A), and the Absolute series with rubberized cases. The Three Gold Bridges is the most visually striking of the line.
Other Notable GP Models
Beyond the Laureato, Girard-Perregaux offers the Tourbillon Three Gold Bridges (a dressier, often precious-metal version), the 1966 collection (classic round dress watches), and the Neo-Tourbillon with a modern architecture.
Similar Watches
In the integrated-bracelet sports watch category, the Laureato competes with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (ref. 15450ST, 37mm or 41mm), the Patek Philippe Nautilus (ref. 5711/1A, now discontinued), and the Chopard Alpine Eagle (41mm). All offer high-end finishing and in-house movements, but the Laureato is often more accessible in price and availability.
Homages
Budget-friendly homages to the Laureato design include the Pagani Design PD-1701 (around $80) and the Cadisen C8201 (around $120). These mimic the case shape but lack the skeleton movement and finishing. They are not serious alternatives for the discerning collector.
Investment Value
The MSRP of the Laureato Three Gold Bridges is $19,500. Pre-owned examples in excellent condition range from $14,000 to $17,000. The trend is stable; the watch does not appreciate rapidly like a Royal Oak, but it also does not depreciate heavily. If GP discontinues the 40mm size, values may rise. Auction results for similar references have been in the $15,000–$18,000 range. It is not a flip, but a keeper for those who appreciate the movement.
Service Interval
GP recommends a service every 5 years. The cost is approximately $800 at an authorized service center. Due to the skeleton movement and gold bridges, only authorized technicians should service it. Turnaround is 6–8 weeks.
Price Range & Verdict
The price range for this reference is $14,000–$19,500. For a trust-fund-baby buyer, it offers a unique skeleton watch with genuine horological heritage at a fraction of the cost of a comparable Patek or AP. It’s a smart buy for someone who wants something different from the usual steel sports watch.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Iconic Three Gold Bridges movement visible through skeleton dial
- Excellent 40mm size fits a wide range of wrists
- Comfortable integrated bracelet with smooth clasp
- 100m water resistance makes it a true daily wearer
- In-house automatic movement with reliable accuracy
Cons
- No micro-adjustment on clasp; sizing can be tricky
- Skeleton dial can be hard to read at a glance in low light
- Service costs are high and must be done by GP
- Not COSC-certified, though performance is close
- Price point puts it in direct competition with Royal Oak and Nautilus
Final Verdict
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Three Gold Bridges (ref. 99112-58-3576-1CM) is a masterful blend of horological heritage and modern wearability. Its 40mm case and integrated bracelet make it one of the most comfortable skeleton watches on the market, while the three gold bridges provide a visual feast that never gets old. If you can afford the entry price and appreciate the craftsmanship, this is a watch that will reward you every time you glance at your wrist.
