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13 MOST POPULAR GIRARD-PERREGAUX WATCHES FOR MEN AT EVERY PRICE POINT

Welcome back, Timelords!

Strap yourselves in for another horological odyssey as today, we highlight the best Girard-Perregaux watches to buy.

Evolving into one of the most significant and creative top Swiss luxury brands in the current industry, their take on sporty models as per the Laureato to take their pieces to Haute Horlogerie levels with the Bridges collection, have dazzled and become the go-to line for everyday wear. But first, let’s take a minute to discover their epic history.

Looking back to 1791, this is the period when watchmaker and jeweller, Jean-François Butte began creating exceptional pieces for a small clientele. However, in 1854, he merged with the Swiss titans and so began the brand's adventure.

The brand's name was inspired after Constant Girard founded Girard & Campagnie in 1852. After marrying Marie Perregaux, the two surnames were combined and in 1856, Girard-Perregaux was born!

Although they produce a mere 25,000 novelties per year, (a figure that the 1.6 million produced by Rolex wouldn’t even class as a transactional error), they ensure that every one is made in-house from start to finish.

So, where does one begin with the famed Swiss brand? To date, they have confirmed a grand total of 80 patents, been responsible for the very first mechanical movement back in 1965, and saw a gold medal, like Omega’s ambassador Armand Duplantis during this year's Olympics.

This took place in 1889 at the Paris Universal Exposition for their Tourbillon with the signature three bridge design.

But, the year is 2024. What is a brand if they cannot keep up with the sheer weight of their past? Luckily for us, like a Zenith El Primero, they have shown no signs of slowing down. Coming off another celebratory release at Geneva Watch Days 2024, we think it’s high-time we looked at (in our humble view) the best Girard-Perregaux watches for men… in every type of price bracket.

Join us right this minute for a horological voyage of discovery.

1. Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition

The bells are not ringing for this number.

The history behind the sensational La Esmeralda is certainly not hidden or falsified. Far more attractive than Quasimodo, it was deemed the winner of the Paris Universal Exhibition back in 1889.

In fact, this represented the first La Esmeralda pocket watch ever released. How’s that for a start!

The “La Esmeralda” title was inspired by the name of the retailer who sold one of the first three bridge pocket watches to the Mexican president, Porfirio Diaz in the 1880s.

Noted for its three bridge design across the dial in broad, arrow shapes, the majority of the future watches pertaining to the La Esmeralda have been proudly showing these design elements. Then there is of course the jaw-dropping new release at Geneva Watch Days 2024. The summer sun may have set for another year but this was arguably one of the showstoppers from this illustrious event.

Size remains a key element, meaning the 43mm case diameter and 15.1mm thickness is not particularly a concern. After all, we know what we are in for when we buy a watch of such luxurious vigour

Crafted out of pink gold, the watches are highly sophisticated and finished excellently with leaf motifs across the bezel, lugs and engraved into the brown enamel middle case. Another attribute to the original La Esmeralda sold to Porfirio Diaz, was the inclusion of horses.

This equine connection is a horological throwback of sorts, including thoroughbreds seen across the 1st and 3rd bridge on the right and left tip of the arrow bridge, and on the caseback. Here is where you will find a trio of horses galloping against a pronounced, rose gold sunray finish.

The three rose arrow tipped bridges across the dial are pretty fancy, and the inclusion of the horses is a delightful ode to their history. Time is still the main priority, and they ensure easy reading with large rose gold hands in the centre. These stand clear of the openworked tourbillon at 6 o’clock, allowing the blued seconds hand sat over the complication to be clearly displayed.

Home to the reliable GP09600-2083, it has 323 components and offers a steady 21,600VpH alongside a weekend 50 hour power reserve. It may be an astronomical price but the visual theatre and technical design is worth every penny, dime and dollar.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition at retail for £381,000 as of September 2024.

2. Girard Perregaux Tourbillon Three Flying Bridges

Spinning right onto our list of the best Girard-Perregaux watches for men is the Tourbillon Three Flying Bridges.

Revisiting the original Bridges pocket watch, at GWD 2024, Stylistically, they have not gone Happy Gilmore and completely overhauled the classic styles that made the original pieces so great. Yet, they have added a few upgrades that should give you a phenomenal wrist experience.

Measuring 44mm x 15.35mm, the watches 18K rose gold ensures maximum style points, from flaunting in the boardroom in front of your corporate enemies to clasping your date's hand in that 5 star Maldivian resort. Dressing to impress is taken to new heights with this beauty!

The circular case is timeless, and allows for the dial to instantly be the centre of attention. Can you imagine an openworked Patek Philippe Calatrava? Take a good look as this would be the bees knees.

Compared with previous models, the lugs are tighter whilst the crown has been revolutionised for better grip. Like the Omega Speedmaster, there have been small adjustments over time, but the wearability is now far better.

Given a domed sapphire crystal, the dial is magnified and allows the face to be clearly enhanced “for your eyes only”. Move over James Bond, this is skeletonisation…but not as we know it. With a generous nod to the existence of the original pieces, there are three rose gold bridges, affixed across the centre of the display.

This sits alongside lume filled, satin-finished hands, with non-obtrusive hour markers and the open feel of the pieces, as they sit comfortably on the edge. The black PVD finish on the bridges could be alarming to some who want it to offer the same light experience as an opened window overlooking the French Riviera.

However, it starkly contrasts against the rose gold, serving up a more powerful feel than one of Roger Federer’s backhands.

Inside beats the Calibre GP09400-1273 meaning you are entitled to a 260 watch movement, powering a steady 21,600VpH (3Hz). Meanwhile, the 60 hour power reserve is sufficient to take for an important key business meeting or weekend getaway to get you in the mood. This really is a labour of love bar none.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Three Flying Bridges at retail for £146,000 as of September 2024.

3. Girard-Perregaux 1966 Château Latour Edition

No we ain't talking about anything to do with fine wine for our next best Girard-Perregaux. Wait a second…stay with us.

Renowned by horophiles worldwide for their technical skill and partnerships to rival Audemars Piguet and Marvel, brands like Zenith partnering with Felipe Pantone, or Vacheron Constantin turning to the colourful arts of Chinese culture with their Metiers D’Art lineup, we may be finally stuffed with brands across all genres joining forces with each other.

That was until they turned to an unusual source to join forces with…

When The Kering Group originally took them over back in 2011, they must’ve known something spectacular could emerge from the acquisition, as this was the same group that housed Château Latour, a stunning Bordeaux vineyard in France.

So, as a part of the timeless 1966 collection with its dress watch designs and minimalist aesthetics, the 1966 Château Latour Edition was born. And with it signalled a new dawn for collaboration watches.

Characterised by a classic dress watch dimension of 40mm x 9.40mm, they are elegant and easy on the wrist. The pink gold case is a top choice for any horophile interested in buying a statement piece, as it evokes more warmth than yellow gold, but still unmistakably a precious metal.

The polished bezel frames the dial very well, especially since this face is wholly unique to them. Why, I hear you ask?

This particular style is developed from the yellow pebbles taken from the sensational Latour vineyard. Essentially, the in-house artisans cut and grind the pebbles until they are as thin as rake..perhaps thinner. These are then used individually for each dial, allowing every watch to be completely unique in texture, finish and colour.

Time is simply read via the razor thin, rose gold hour markers and leaf-shaped hands. Don’t forget the date aperture located at 3 o’clock that adds another level of complexity. Within the models is the steady GP03300-2180.

This movement runs at a rapid 28,800VpH and is completely automatic. The 46 hour power reserve is a useful stat, representing the longevity of the movement.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux 1966 Château Latour Edition at retail for £34,300 as of September 2024.

4. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin

Cars and chronographs. Well, not quite but they go hand in hand like champagne, washed down with a few smoked salmon canapes.

Now, collaboration pieces are one of the brand’s greatest strengths. For example, it could easily be argued that one of the greatest partnerships they have had is with Aston Martin, the British, high-powered racing brand, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Worlds Sports Car Championship, back in 1959.

When they first joined Aston Martin in 2021 as their Official Watch Partner, no one could really expect the collaboration to be so long-lasting, and so productive. With over three pieces released to date, they are back with more of a horological firecracker than the Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso with their latest Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin.

Coming in at 42mm x 11.08mm, these pieces are crafted out of green ceramic. The material is lightweight, durable and highly scratch resistant. Furthermore, it acts as a perfect link to the Aston Martin brand due to its British Racing Green shade.

On the caseback, the Aston Martin link is notable through their famous decal. Given an octagonal bezel that offers an exceptionally sporty edge, and pertains to the heritage of the watches. Remember, this is a collection that was originally released during the sports-chic era of the 1970s where the Nautilus and Royal Oak were de rigueur.

Offering 100 metres of water resistance, there is a solid level of durability alongside the capability to wear this for most special occasions. The green dial is sublime while it is connected onto a similarly green ceramic integrated bracelet. In our humble view, this really is a man’s best friend, ideal for the office or the metropolitan man about town.

For the dial, the watches use a dark green, grill inspired cross-hatch pattern, allowing the black hour markers and hands to be clearly displayed. This is especially since they are tipped with luminescence and are clearly distinguishable from the green hue.

Complemented with a date aperture based at 3 o’clock, the watches are reliable, productive and can become an essential part of any men’s wardrobes. This is especially since they are powered by the sensational GP01800-2165. Yielding a 54 hour power reserve alongside a 4Hz frequency, these 28-jewelled movements offer all the basic timekeeping functions within a reliable and slender 3.97mm calibre.

You might say this piece will make your colleagues green with envy.

Capped at 388 pieces, you can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin at retail for £21,900 as of September 2024.

5. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech

The following timepiece is absolutely fit to be on our rundown of the best Girard-Perregaux watches. So you’ve trawled through their collections…but you just can’t seem to find that novelty that reflects the creative within you.

Allow us to introduce the carbon and titanium fused, Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech.

With a case diameter of 44mm the thickness tips the timekeeping scales at 15.15mm. It is too large to fit under a shirt cuff, but it would make a perfect addition to the man looking for an eye-catcher. Arnold Schwarzenegger or The Hulk had best keep their hands off this beast!

Crafted out of 8Tech, this material is designed out of carbon fibres and titanium powder. It is then combined and superimposed upon each other randomly. Finally refined by hand, the case has an almost smudged pattern that imitates that of Damascus steel.

Present on the case and the bezel, the carbon design delivers first rate durability in all conditions. This carbon material almost looks like camouflage due to a combination of the steely greys and black accents.

However, you’ll look less like GI Joe and more like Grammy winning Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now… If he puts down his vintage looking and obviously non-carbon Rolex GMT-Master of course!

For the dial, look out for a triple chronograph display at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, offering precision reading of the time. Displayed a gradient black dial which goes from a soft grey centre to a black periphery, this lets the hour markers and hands clearly stand out. The added date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock is also a handy addition!

Running with great speed is the Calibre GP0330. This in-house movement offers a reliable 28,800VpH alongside a 46 hour power reserve. The 6.5mm thick calibre is automatic and allows the hours, minute, small seconds, date and chronograph functions to be easily powered.

Mean and moody, you can rock this for Christmas parties or have a scaringly good time during Halloween with its dark vibes.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech at retail for £22,700 as of September 2024.

6. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Sage Green Dial

Launched in 1975, the Laureato line was a strong contender for being the top sports-chic watch of its era.

Defined by its octagonal bezel and barrel shaped case, the watches soon contended with the likes of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, released during the 1970s.

Offering 42mm x 10.68mm, the rose gold models invite the users to a new take on the traditionally steel collection. Therefore, we appreciate why the 50 metres of water resistance may not be desirable for the sports purists, but a suitable stat for those looking to buy a watch to adorn for those uber glitzy soirees or Emmys after parties (if you are lucky to snaffle an invite)

Between the corners of the octagonal bezel, the dial comes in sage green together with a clous de Paris motif. This aesthetic is not commonly seen in horology, but is framed within a solid chapter ring on the periphery.

The rose gold hour markers and hands have a layer of luminescence through their centre, allowing optimal legibility in all conditions. The date aperture situated at 3 o’clock is not particularly obtrusive and adds a stunning level of complexity.

Powered by the Calibre GP01800-2317, the movement totals 191 components and is fitted with 28 jewels. Its steady 28,800VpH frequency runs well with the 54 hour power reserve, ensuring your watch is not only fast, but can go the distance…for just over two days anyway.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato Sage Green Dial at retail for £44,100 as of September 2024.

7. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49

If steel is simply not doing anything for you, and you need a material that blends durability and lightness, alongside producing a superb lustre, do you know what you should choose?

If you’ve been studying your periodic tables, you’ll know that Ti stands for Titanium and 49 stands for… well, time to find out!

In 2024, it was exactly 49 years since the Laureato was released. While it’s a strange date to celebrate as opposed to an even 50th, we applaud their eagerness to please the enthusiast, especially since it could be one of the best titanium watches of 2024.

Sized at 42mm x 12mm, there is a genuine throwback to the characteristics found within the original models, including its polished octagonal bezel against the brushed lugs. Meanwhile, the polished pushers and crown stand out from the sporty case, producing a secure 100 metres of water resistance.

For the dial, we are treated to a clinical gun grey shade. Given a wondrous Clous de Paris finish, this has become something of a trademark for them, especially since it’s such a distinguishable aesthetic.

In turn, the snailed chronograph sub counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock are easily promoted from the face, alongside the polished hour markers and hands. Coated with Super-Luminova, they stand clear from the prominent finish, giving users a stress-free reading. This is rounded off with a date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock.

However, it takes a strong calibre to keep everything in constant motion. Therefore, they rely on the Calibre GP03300-0141 to ensure they remain reliable. This provides a 46 hour power receive alongside a 28,800VpH, all within a 25.95mm x 6.50mm calibre.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49 at retail for £16,500 as of September 2024.

8. Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge Meteorite

The Bridge collection is only a fairly recent addition to the brand's collection. Originally created in 2020, the line harks back to the bridge design of the brand's original 1860 timepieces.

Now, for 2024, the lineup is refreshed with something a little ethereal. Maybe not as otherworldly as the first watch on the moon, the Omega Speedmaster… but a horophile can only dream!

Sized at 44mm x 12mm in steel, it does not adopt the precious metals as their go-to material. Not a problem. Instead, they opt to deliver a polished finish across the case, allowing the domed sapphire crystal to be clearly presented while enhancing the legibility of the faces.

The lugs are slightly curved, allowing superb comfort the wrist with a fully ergonomic experience. These feed well into the case, and allow the black leather strap to be a suave, low-key addition.

For the faces, they treat us to a delightful openworked display, allowing the user a direct look into the complexity of the movement. Fitted with a black flange, this conjoins a white minute track alongside chunkier, hour markers. The hands remain prominent in the centre of the face, above the neo-inspired bridge at 6 o’clock and below the large GP logo at 12 o’clock.

The meteorite aesthetic is present as plates on the left and the right of the face. Taken from the Gibeon meteorite in Namibia, the material is a sensational addition to the grey and silver watch, especially since they produce a completely unique, Widmanstätten aesthetic.

Flip the pieces over and you are granted an exhibition caseback, allowing you a clear look into the glorious GP01800 calibre. This automatic movement offers a rapid 28,800VpH alongside a weekend-proof 54 hour power reserve.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge Meteorite at retail for £21,900 as of September 2024.

9. Girard-Perregaux Neo-Bridges Aston Martin Edition

Like a TAG Heuer Porsche Chronosprint, speeding in again to our countdown of the best Girard-Perregaux watches is the Neo-Bridges Aston Martin Edition.

The luxury car manufacturer and the Swiss brand began in 2021 with their storied partnership, under the careful release of the beautiful Tourbillon Three Bridges Aston Martin.

However, time does not stand still as you know. And two years later, the Neo-Bridges Aston Martin Edition was released. Symbolising the fifth product of the partnership, we can confirm that both brands have their watchful fingers all over this one!

At 45mm x 12.8mm, the titanium design counteracts the overtly bulky size. Taking inspiration from the original Bridge design that they are famed for, the Aston Martin infusement adds a stamp of high-speed modernity to one of the oldest mechanical emblems in horological history.

Black DLC has solid scratch resistance properties, resulting in exceptional durability that can capably last the test of time. Between the brushed lugs is the black leather strap with Aston Martin green stitching. Suitable for a milestone piece or buying for that big promotion, the openworked dial is a marvel to behold.

Onto the openworked dial, that’s framed with a boxy, sapphire crystal. Showcasing polished hour markers on the same black flange as the green minute track, they cohesively manage to house a number of great functions in a simple way.

The openworked balance wheel at 6 o’clock features the bridge aesthetic across it, and another bridge is spotted directly under the sword shaped hands.

The hands and hour markers come with a green luminescent glow (another ode to the speedy brand), while the two micro-rotors at 10 and 2 o’clock show text like “Designed By Aston Martin” and “Powered By Girard-Perregaux.”

Best partnership since Snoopy and Charlie Brown? Maybe!

Pulsating within is the Calibre GP084000-2164, a hot movement that provides a 21,600VpH alongside a solid 48 hour power reserve inside a skinny 5.45mm movement thickness. Not quite the Bulgari Octo Finissimo, but still a solid contender.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Neo-Bridges Aston Martin Edition at retail for £32,100 as of September 2024.

10. Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement

Do you fancy escaping from reality for a second or two?

This definitely deserves its place on our best Girard-Perregaux list…and we are only talking about the Neo Constant Escapement. Seeking to revitalise the complex functionality of constant force, this principle ensures a constant flow of power to the escapement regardless of how wound the movement is.

Seems like they are giving the Zeitwerk a run for its money…

Keeping in constant motion with the rest of their enigmatic collections, the Neo Constant Escapement comes in a very stylish and durable grade 5 titanium material. This is the same that is utilised in the aeronautical and chemical industries, due to its properties of lightness and durability.

With a case diameter of 45mm and thickness of 14.80mm, this piece is fitted with a sapphire caseback, allowing users a very avant-garde view-in into the movement. London Fashion Week ready? You bet. Across the top is a sapphire box crystal, reaching above the bezel and enhancing the face.

The dial is completely openworked, allowing the bridge aesthetic to take centre stage. Spotted at 6 o’clock and just above it, they are completely blackened, allowing them to visibly stand out from the grey shades. This is a combination of black PVD and anthracite NAC, coating the famed “Neo” shape. As Katy Perry once declared, we think this baby is “on fire”

And just in case you get lost in the horological mire with the bridges and crazy movement parts, intertwining more in sync than Justin Timberlake, they have ensured to keep a lid on the timekeeping functionality. This is no Franck Muller Crazy Hours watch!

Simply look to the outer, black ring that shows the suspended hour markers, coated with luminescence and soft blue shade. This works well with the skeletonised, rhodium plated Dauphine hands that equally have blue luminescence in their centres. The power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock is a handy addition to any man’s fast paced lifestyle.

Housing the high-powered Calibre GP09200-1153 these timepieces are COSC certified, with an assurance of top notch quality in the movement. How so? Thanks to the extraordinary 7 day power reserve alongside a 21,600VpH. Unlike Lionel Richie, you won’t be going all night long rather for the entire week!

The light purple edging around the bridges at 6 o’clock offers a moody confirmation of the Neo-design.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement at retail for £84,700 as of September 2024.

11. Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm Copper

Look, guys. We appreciate the complexity and the intricate details and finishes that make up a selection of these best Girard-Perregaux watches. Honestly, we do.

But the Bridges line, we must doth our cap to and respect the artistry not to mention timelessness that goes into the Vintage 1945 collection. But needs must and many gents desire something more substantial as an everyday driver.

Perhaps nothing quite compares to the Laureato 38mm in copper. As a collection commonly misconceived to be a watch designed by Gerald Genta, the Laureato collection was still in the same era of some of his other designs, at the time like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus.

For this version, it comes in steel which is a highly desirable material, brushed across the lugs and the case with a polished ring underneath the brushed, octagonal bezel. Fitted with an integrated bracelet, users are treated to an equally brushed steel, keeping in tandem with the overall sporty feel.

For the dial, there is a rich copper shade, a slightly orange and burnt red colour that adds a unique feel to the models. This in turn adds a bright pop, opposing the rest of the moody shades that may make up the rest of the sports industry. Think of it as the copper-coloured Rolex Datejust 36mm 126231 of their lineup.

Time is simply read via the polished, arrow shaped hour markers and hands. Visibility is optimal as they have a strip of luminescence through their centre, allowing them to be viewable even in the darkest nights.

The added date aperture residing at 3 o’clock is pretty useful, while their marketing is on point with a large GP taking up the 12 o'clock spot. Running steadily within the GP03300-2034 calibre, yielding a rapid 28,800VpH alongside a 46 hour power reserve. Pair this with a charcoal suit and you will be the belle of the ball!

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm Copper at retail for £12,700 as of September 2024.

12. Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity White Gold

Fancy a moonlight stroll with a watch so prestigious that John Mayer may want to make a quick purchase.

Enter the La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity…one of the more modern interpretations of the original La Esmeralda collection from 1889. Achieving a gold medal at Paris Universal Exhibition, we take a funky look at a white gold take of the La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity.

Sized at 43mm x 15.1mm, these pieces are ultra-luxurious and offer a stunning lustre, alongside the complex leaf engraving on the bezel and lugs. Performed completely in-house by their very own artisans, the La Chaux-de-Fonds brand certainly does not do anything by half.

For the caseback comes an exceptionally well rendered guilloché dial. Designed using dark blue Grand Feu enamel, it’s finished with thick sunray lines that allows the triple white gold edged horses to gallop freely. But hold your horses. We are not done yet.

This caseback can actually lift up, revealing a sapphire back that shows the movement and the text “Tourbillon Automatique La Esmeralda La Chaux de Fonds 1889”. For the dial, the same Grand Feu dark blue shade is present, alongside the classic triple arrow aesthetic across the centre.

There are polished, white gold horses on the 1st and 3rd arrows, adding a stylish theme to the models. Time is read seamlessly via the large arrow hands. Unfortunately, there’s no room for hour markers, but the openworked tourbillon at 6 o’clock is a tidy feature that not only looks good, but offers a practical function in the form of negating the effects of gravity.

Inside the models beats the Calibre GP09600-2083. This in-house automatic movement is made up of 323 pieces and complimented with 31 sparkling jewels. The 21,600VpH frequency is fine, but the 50 hour power reserve is much better for those on the move.

You may need a few large hedge fund deals or City bonuses to get your mitts on this one as it’s the same price as one bedroom flat in Soho.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity White Gold at retail for £410,000 as of September 2024.

13. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade

Earth, Wind & Fire? Not even close. Step into the light…the Laureato Absolute Light & Shade that is.

This could arguably be classed as the brand’s most audacious novelty in terms of precious materials.

Crafted out of metallised sapphire crystal, this is an incredibly hard material to use due to the length it takes to create, and then shape it. In this instance, it took 170 hours just to create the case.

However, it was certainly worth the wait. Given a soft barrel design alongside a sapphire ring over the octagonal bezel, it is almost translucent and, unlike the Hublot Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Blue Sapphire, there are no tinctures or shades, ensuring a full on clean design.

The flange has a scalloped design that features prominent greyed triangular hour markers over brushed dips. Recessed beneath the wave aesthetic flange is the dial itself, built onto an openworked mainplate.

Fitted with a tourbillon at 6 o’clock, this stands out from the NAC-treated mainplate and bridges. Completely low-key, the models are the perfect, minimalist accompaniment to any high brow outfit, or a watch to wear when running on a rainy day to the last train home.

There are silvered hands with lume centres, with the GP at the top a grand celebration of the brand's epic legacy. If you find yourself casually flipping the watch over (and you will), discover a sapphire caseback, exposing the rest of the movement.

The GP01800-1143 is built in-house and offers the automatic security of a strong calibre. Made up of 172 pieces, the pieces have a rapid 28,800VpH (4Hz) alongside a 54 hour power reserve, powering the hours, minutes and small seconds counter at 10 o’clock.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light and Shade at retail for £84,700 as of September 2024.

How Much Is An Entry-Level Girard Perregaux Timepiece?

If you want to buy a Girard-Perregaux that’s entry level, you will be looking to pay from £8,600 at retail at the time of writing.

Their most affordable model is the 1966 Orion which you can buy at £8,600. Crafted out of steel, with a case diameter of 40mm, it features a deep blue background with an accessible 9.4mm thickness.

However, if you are interested in a collaboration that’s more riveting than a Strictly Come Dancing routine, how about the Saint Laurent collab piece, the Casquette 2.0. Valued at £5,315 at Saint Laurent retail, it comes in titanium and has a retro, digital display alongside Saint Laurent and GP logos.

However, there is the chance to buy a watch for a lower price on the secondary market. For example, the very same 1966 Orion is valued at £6,000 as of September 2024. Furthermore, for the Saint Laurent Casquette 2.0, this is valued from upwards of £3,175 as of September 2024.

Best look at the secondary market, right?

Is Girard-Perregaux Better Than Rolex?

No, sadly they are not better than Rolex. However, that is not a slight on them as Rolex is easily one of the best horological brands of all time!

For example, Girard-Perregaux dates back to 1791, and is deemed to be a significant player in the sphere. They have created a significant level of innovation, including being one of the first brands to create quartz pieces with incredible speeds of up to 32,768 VpH.

Furthermore, they released the sensational Chronometer HF in 1967 that was exceptionally accurate and represented the standard for all modern timekeeping. In the current era, they have a number of sensational collaborative pieces like the Aston Martin Neo Bridges, fitted with a barrel that mimics the fuel tank and the micro-rotor impersonates the brakes.

On the other hand Rolex runs back to 1905, wherein they have been incredible figureheads both past, and present. From the race inspired Daytona to the Datejust that was the first automatic watch to feature a self-changing date, all their watches are built to the highest of standards.

Using materials founded in-house like Oyster Steel, Rolesor and Everose gold, they have made patents like Chromalight, offering better legibility than Super-Luminova. Furthermore, the majority of their pieces are Superlative Chronometer certified, creating an pristine accuracy of around -2/+2 seconds per day.

Rolex is one of the few brands that increases in value, alongside Holy Trinity members Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, while Girard-Perregaux unfortunately is estimated to lose around 15%.

Is Girard-Perregaux A Good Investment?

If we want to answer, is Girard-Perregaux a good investment, in short, the watches do not hold their value. However, if you own a scarce or rare model, you may be in with a chance of a price increase.

It tends to be the Holy Trinity brands alongside Rolex who have the potential to increase in value due to them having sensational levels of demand over their supply and brand exclusivity, meaning their secondary market prices skyrocket.

For example, models like the Bi-Axial Tourbillon are excellent representations of the potential value behind the brand.

This Tourbillon Three Bridge model is inspired by the original pocket watches from the 1860s. Using the highly-complex bi-axial tourbillon mechanism, the watches are capped at 33 pieces and sold at a Christie’s auction in 2013 for around £126,000.

Is Girard-Perregaux A Luxury Watch Brand?

Yes, they can be classified as a luxury watch brand.

The value is determined by the strong innovation that makes up the brand. For example, they created the Gyromatic, the first ever high frequency mechanical movement in the 1960s to the influential World Wide Time Control that clearly covers all global time zones through 24 international cities or regions.

Made from sensational materials like precious metals, titanium, platinum and gold, they make everything in-house, including their movements of which some have earned COSC certification.

Covering a broad list of top collections like the Laureato, Vintage 1945 and the 1966, these watches are flexed by a strong list of celebrity clientele, including Kobe Bryant, footballer Gerard Pique and Alex Morgan.

With more than 80 patents to their brand, they have gone from the classic Tourbillon with three bridge design to the ultra-modern Quasar Light Tourbillon with the identical three bridges, but crafted out of sapphire.

Releasing Carbon Glass in 2019 that combines carbon fibre and fibreglass, the material is incredibly lightweight and provides maximum water resistance. They even released a fresh silicon blade for the fabulous Constant Escapement L.M which allows for the variable energy of the barrel by allowing constant impulses to the oscillator.

Designed to be long lasting and mainly made in-house, these pieces are strong and offer users a plethora of innovative designs.

In fact, even down to the dial, there are a number of fabulous design elements that the brand employs, including Guilloche, sandblasting and even engraving to add that extra sparkle to their pieces.

Is Girard-Perregaux Underrated?

Not particularly. Most well-versed horophiles already respect the brand for their specific executions.

Remember, this is the brand that has continued on the incredible 3 bridge designs from way the 1800s, produced the game-changing Constant Escapement that produces constant energy, and maintained some of the most prestigious aesthetics in modern horology, such as the sports-chic Laureato, their answer to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (link best ap watches) with the fabulous octagonal bezel.

However, people may only see brands like Rolex and Cartier due to their presence in the current culture and celebrity wearers. Nonetheless, they are worn by a few big names like Kobe Bryant and Royal Family members like Queen Victoria.

Who Is Girard-Perregaux Sister Brand?

Their sister brand is called Ulysee Nardin. Incorporating an independent grouping in 2022, named the Sowind Group SA, the group has been incredibly successful, winning Switzerland's Best Managed Companies 2024 by Deloitte.

Ulysee Nardin are known for their sensational timepieces, including being the inspiration for the Free Bridge Meteorite, a watch that closely mirrors the Ulysse Nardin Freak X. The Freak is exceptionally complex and, since it deliberately has no dial, the watches defy every convention of standard horology.

Is Girard-Perregaux Owned By Kering?

No, but they have had a previous relationship.

In 2011, Kering, the French luxury goods company, acquired 51% of the brand. This grew to 100% just four years later and they acquired Ulysse Nardin. In 2022, Kering sold their stake in the conjoined Sowind Group SA via a management buyout.

How Many Watches Does Girard-Perregaux Make A Year?

It’s estimated that Girard-Perregaux produces around 25,000 watches per year.

Conclusion

And there we have it!

We’ve uncovered all you need to know about the best Girard-Perregaux watches to buy.

Encompassing the inner workings of their collections, including the most popular models that get horophiles tongues wagging more than a Rolex Daytona “Lemon Dial”. Oh you know the one. Let’s face it…the brand has come a long way since 1854 when Constant Girard and Marie Perregaux said “I do”.

Spanning icons like Pierce Brosnan, Hugh Jackman, Farouk of Egypt and Queen Victoria among their wearers, we think there is a timepiece with your name on it. We are truly spoiled for choice with this smorgasbord of executions.

And If you are looking to buy a watch with style, substance and a touch of glamour we opt for the La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition, released at Geneva Watch Days 2024. If you are searching for vigour and versatility with sensational accuracy, our choice would be the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin. It’s a tough job to live in the fast lane. But someone has to do it.

It’s full speed ahead…

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Image Credits (Unless Otherwise Stated) - Girard-Perregaux

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