It seems that I’m in very good company, as both myself and the Girard-Perregaux Laureato celebrate 45 years of existence, in 2020. Admittedly, the Laureato has fared better than I have in the aging process, over the past four and a half decades, but I suppose we have both reached a certain established point in our lives. As a mid-40s man, I am entitled to a little grumpiness now and again and I think it’s now acceptable for me to complain about how a 16.5” collar is a lot smaller than it was 15 years ago: ”They don’t make then like they used to…” and et cetera.
In contrast, the Laureato is actually improving with age and is now established as a watch with a track-record. And where my donning an all-white outfit for anything other than a cricket match might seem a little tragic, the Laureato’s ton-sur-son white livery is actually good for it; it’s never looked better!
The integrated bracelet is nothing new. From stalwarts such as the Royal Oak and Nautilus to new-kids-on-the-block, Tudor Royal and Chopard Alpine Eagle, it is actually an incredibly popular choice and a very current look. The Laureato is one of the old guard, having first appeared in 1975 and has its own unique look; despite its octagonal bezel’s likeness to other watches, it is very much its own watch.
And it has seen its fair share of styles and looks over the years including steel, titanium, rose gold and one soaking in diamonds too. What was first a ground-breaking ultra-slim quartz driven watch has since become home to automatic calibres, including skeleton versions and chronographs. In short, the Laureato has been there, done that and seen it all. Not unlike me over the past 45 years!
This latest edition with Bamford Watch Department (BWD) is a 45th birthday celebration in a 45-piece limited run. As I mentioned earlier, the watch is made in white ceramic and measures 38mm. Now, this might not sound big enough, but I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek a few weeks ago whilst visiting the BWD and on the wrist it actually works really well.
Sure, it might not be for everybody, but I can guarantee that there will be at least ten (if not 20) times the demand for the 45 pieces available. If we ever emerge from this pan-global travel ban, I can imagine this watch being perfect on your wrist whilst enjoying an iced spritz on Capri.
The Ghost is powered by Girard-Perregaux’s Manufacture calibre GP03300 0139, with a date function and 46-hour power reserve. The white ceramic case is fitted with a black PVD coated titanium winding crown.
Another minor stroke of black exists on the outer minute track of the very white Clous de Paris finish dial. But other than this, the Ghost is one of the whitest watches I’ve seen. And it appears that Mr George Bamford is pretty chuffed with it too, as he explained, “I am known for my black watches and loving everything black, however, consistent with the other watches I have worked on, I wanted to push boundaries by designing a white watch this time. Whenever I collaborate with another company, I always look to achieve a synergy where both parties create something they probably wouldn’t produce on their own. For example, this is the first time Bamford Watch Department has encased a watch in white ceramic which is also a first on the Laureato . I liked the idea of an ethereal, ghost like character for the watch, hence its name. Adding black accents to the dial resulted in a striking unisex watch, a fitting tribute to 45 years of the Laureato.”
The Laureato Ghost by Girard-Perregaux & Bamford Watch Department will be available exclusively in Dover Street Market and Harrods for one month and then available through the global network of Girard-Perregaux retailers.
Technical Specifications
Movement
Manufacture calibre GP03300 0139, with a date function and 46-hour power reserve.
Case
38mm white ceramic with black PVD coated titanium winding crown.
Bracelet
White ceramic or white calf leather with steel and white ceramic deployment.
Price
GBP 12,000 on bracelet or GBP10,300 on strap.
