Girard-Perregaux has unveiled the Laureato 34 mm High Jewelry, a unique piece housed in an 18K pink gold case set with 1,791 brilliant cut diamonds and a crown set with an amethyst to celebrate the year 1791 when Girard-Perregaux was founded. The history of Girard-Perregaux can be traced back to 1791 when Jean-François Bautte, just 19 years of age, signed his first watches in Geneva.

This model is a refined expression of the legendary Laureato, a timepiece that burst onto the watch scene back in 1975 with a groundbreaking quartz movement at the time and an intricately formed watch case. Since 1975, the Laureato has always stood out from the crowd, courtesy of its masterful use of shapes. The octagonal bezel sits atop a circular plinth which in turn rests upon a tonneau-shaped case. The elaborate profile of the case freely engages with light, courtesy of its many facets and angles, producing pockets of brilliance and shade. In this instance, the addition of diamonds serves to accentuate this extraordinary interplay with light.

This spectacular timepiece showcases traditional grain setting techniques, meticulously placing diamonds on the dial, bezel, case, and bracelet, requiring 86 hours of hand-setting. The combination of diamonds and amethyst creates a striking contrast, highlighting the Laureato's iconic octagonal bezel and tonneau-shaped case, offering a brilliant ensemble that continues the legend of the Laureato collection.

The gem-setting process involves drilling holes in the pink gold exterior to accommodate each diamond, making small adjustments by hand to ensure the optimal fit. The gold is carved to form four grains of metal around each diamond, holding it securely in place. Thereafter, the hollows around the diamonds are smoothed to create a sublime beading effect. This meticulous and time-consuming process, using various-sized stones, stands as a testament to the artisan’s exceptional skill.

The crown is set with a cabochon in amethyst, a semiprecious stone synonymous with purity, protection, and tranquillity. Its vibrant shade sits in tasteful contrast with the colorless precious stones positioned adjacent.  

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato 34 High Jewelry Unique Piece is powered by the quartz calibre GP013100 composed of 90 parts.

This unique piece will be available for sale at the Girard-Perregaux Geneva Boutique in partnership with Bucherer. 

Sticker Price USD 136,000. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.