Introducing Celebrating the 160th Anniversary of the Relationship Between Girard-Perregaux and Japan

In 1860, the same year Constant Girard conceived the Tourbillon with Three Bridges, his brother-in-law François Perregaux opened an office in Yokohama, making Girard-Perregaux the first Swiss watch company in Japan. After a 'Friendship and Trade Treaty' between Japan and Switzerland, Swiss watches began to be exported, though Japan’s different timekeeping system initially rendered them curiosities. However, with the adoption of Western time in 1873, Swiss watch exports surged.

Throughout the years, François traveled extensively across Asia, yet he always returned to Japan, his adopted home. François Perregaux played a crucial role in establishing strong connections between Girard-Perregaux and Japan, a bond that endures nearly 165 years later. The brand remains popular in Japan, with special editions like the 2019 Vintage 1945 Japan edition reflecting this close relationship. Both Japan and Switzerland share a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, further reinforcing these lasting ties. To celebrate the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan, Girard-Perregaux has unveiled two limited-edition versions of the iconic Laureato. These editions, limited to 100 pieces each, honor the Maison's strong connection with Japan, featuring indigo blue dials inspired by and paying tribute to Japan’s traditional color, which was introduced to Japan about 1,500 years ago.

LAUREATO 42 MM

The first limited edition, the Laureato 42 mm, features a 10.68 mm thick stainless steel case and offers a modern interpretation of the legendary Laureato. It is equipped with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, an octagonal bezel, and a tonneau-shaped case, combining polished and satin-finished surfaces. The striking blue Grand Feu enamel dial boasts a sunray pattern, with baton hands and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock.

The watch is powered by the automatic in-house movement, Calibre GP1800, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and providing a power reserve of 54 hours. It comes with a stainless steel bracelet and is priced at 2,585,000 Japanese Yen, which is equivalent to AED 67,500.

LAUREATO CHRONOGRAPH 42 MM

The second variant in this release is a chronograph encased in Grade 5 titanium, a material known for its strength, stiffness, corrosion resistance, and non-magnetic properties, you can know more here. Certain sections of the high-tech alloy are polished, offering an elegant contrast to the satin-finished surfaces. The case measures 42 mm in diameter and 12.01 mm in height, featuring an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a case-back secured by six screws.

The tri-compax blue dial is decorated with a Clous de Paris pattern in a rich indigo shade. Black subdials and a black flange provide a subtle contrast, with a tilted date window positioned at 4:30. Powering the Laureato Chronograph 42 mm is the in-house self-winding Calibre GP3300 movement, composed of 419 components. It operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 46 hours. The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet and is priced at 2,805,000 Japanese Yen, equivalent to AED 73,000. The Laureato Japan 'Aiiro' editions will be available for purchase starting in October at select authorized dealers across Japan.

For more information you can visit Girard-Perregaux’s official website.