Introducing Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm "Infinite Grey" (Live Pics)

Fifty years ago, Girard-Perregaux launched what was initially called the "GP Chronometer" in 1975. The enthusiastic reception from Italian collectors led to the brand's official renaming of the model to "Laureato"—Italian for "the graduate." Some things have evolved in the half-century since (the original largest size was 35mm, and we're now at 42mm). However, the DNA remains intact—that distinctive octagonal bezel set within the tonneau-shaped case and the integrated bracelet are still the line's defining characteristics, which are on exhibit in this latest model—the Laureato 42mm "Infinite Grey".

Naturally, the octagonal case shape remains unchanged, sitting proudly atop the tonneau-shaped case that fans of the line know and love. But on first glance, if you're like me, your eye immediately moves inward to the Grand Feu enamel dial, which is composed of a precise mixture of silica, minium, potash, and soda, finely ground and combined with metal oxides to achieve that subtle bluish-grey hue. 

It's then carefully layered onto the dial and fired at around 800°C in a kiln—a process repeated five to ten times. Due to the unpredictability of this process, some dials are rejected for slight imperfections, but those that survive will endure. At 42mm across but just 10.68mm thick, the alternating polished and satin-brushed steel surfaces create visual complexity while maintaining some nice proportions. 

Like the original model launched in 1975, this new Laureato 42mm is driven by an in-house caliber—this time, the GP01800 automatic movement, entirely developed and assembled at the manufacturer in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Measuring just 3.97mm thick, this self-winding movement provides a 54-hour power reserve. It showcases some really nice finishing: a pink gold oscillating weight adorned with circular Côtes de Genève, straight Côtes de Genève on the bridges, mirror-polished screws, beveled edges, and circular graining on the main plate. It's certainly easy on the eyes.

The movement operates at 28,800 vph with 191 components and 28 jewels, providing functions for hours, minutes, central seconds, and date. The integrated steel bracelet maintains the same polished and satin finishing as the case, while rhodium-plated baton hands and a slender central seconds hand (featuring a counterweight inspired by GP's Gold Bridge) complete the package.

The Laureato 42mm "Infinite Grey" is available worldwide today, June 23, 2025, and is available through all Girard-Perregaux retailers at a price of $17,900.

I'll be honest—when I first heard "42mm grey dial," my reaction was lukewarm. But this Laureato absolutely changed my tune once I got it on the wrist. Yes, 42mm is still substantial for my smaller wrist, and it might still be pushing the boundaries, but the skinny 10.68mm case height helps it wear more elegantly than the width dimensions suggest. 

And about that grey dial—any reservations evaporated the moment I experienced the enamel work in person. This isn't flat, lifeless grey. It's a living, breathing surface with subtle blue undertones and that mesmerizing sunray flinqué pattern beneath the enamel. The Grand Feu process creates a depth that's almost impossible to capture in photographs—and I was won over.

If I'm nitpicking, the date aperture window feels just a touch too small for the overall dial proportions—maybe just a touch bigger on each side would improve both legibility and visual balance. It's not a deal-breaker at all, yet something I noticed when wearing it around the office. That minor note aside, this latest represents everything that makes the Laureato line special, and an apt way to celebrate the fifty years of the collection.

Brand: Girard-Perregaux
Model: Laureato 42MM "Infinite Grey"
Reference Number: 81010-11-3475-1CM

Diameter: 42.00 mm
Thickness: 10.68 mm
Case Material: Steel, polished and satin finished
Dial Color: Grey enamel with flinqué sunray motif
Indexes: Rhodium-plated GP logo and indexes
Water Resistance: 100 metres (10 ATM)
Strap/Bracelet: Steel bracelet, polished and satin finished (integrated)

Caliber: GP01800
Functions: Hours, minutes, central second, date
Diameter: 30 mm
Thickness: 3.97 mm
Power Reserve: 54 hours
Winding: Self-winding mechanical movement
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h (4 Hz)
Jewels: 28

Price: $17,900
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: no

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