Founded in the 19th century, Girard-Perregaux is a historic figure in Swiss watchmaking. Although it does not enjoy the same fame as some of its prestigious counterparts today, it always receives unanimous approval among enthusiasts. A good enough reason to invite you to delve back into the history of this lovely manufacture and to give you our opinion on Girard-Perregaux watches.
The history of the Girard-Perregaux brand
While the Girard-Perregaux House officially came into existence in 1856, its origins are even older. This “epic saga” actually begins at the very end of the 18th century, in 1791. The young Jean-François Bautte, then 19 years old, designs his first watches and becomes a partner of his former employer. His work pleases aristocrats and royalty, whether it’s music boxes, extra-flat watches or sometimes colorful jewelry creations!
In response to growing demand, Jean-François Bautte reorganizes his production and brings various craftsmen under one roof. It can be said that this visionary implements one of the first “true” watchmaking factories. This concept certainly inspires Constant Girard (apprentice watchmaker) and his wife Marie Perregaux (daughter of a renowned watchmaker from Le Locle), who thus launch their own business in 1856.
Fascinated by the whirlwind developed by Abraham-Louis Breguet (and patented in 1801), Constant Girard-Perregaux tries to appropriate this complex mechanism and reshape it. On their side, the brothers of Marie Perregaux work to develop the brand’s reputation internationally, first in Japan, then in North America and South America.
After the death of his father, Constant Girard-Gallet took over the reins of the company in 1903. Three years later, he was the catalyst for the merger between Girard-Perregaux and Maison Bautte. In the 1930s, the manufacture came under the control of the German Graef family, who continued the work undertaken and diversified the collections.
In an increasingly competitive market, Girard-Perregaux must innovate, following the example of its high-frequency Gyromatic movement in 1966 (beating 0 5 Hz, or 36,000 A/h) or its first quartz watch in 1971. Unlike many other Swiss brands, this decade is rich for the house of La Chaux-de-Fonds, which launches its Laureato in 1975 and its Casquette watch in 1976.
The company changes owners several times at the turn of the 2000s, even falling under the aegis of the Kering group for about ten years. Today it forms a independent collective of High Watchmaking Manufacturers within the Sowind group, alongside Ulysse Nardin.
Our opinion on Girard-Perregaux
Halfway between classicism and innovation, we really like the style of Girard-Perregaux collections. The multiple variations of the Laureato and the tourbillon under three bridges are models that watch enthusiasts must know, both for their aesthetic and mechanical properties.
An essential member of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, Girard-Perregaux is part of the heritage, but has always managed to renew itself. However, one must have a comfortable budget (no less than 10,000 euros) to hope to wear a Laureato or even a 1966 on the wrist.
The iconic watches of Girard-Perregaux
Launched in 1975, the Laureato is undeniably the most iconic watch of Girard-Perregaux. Initially, it was named Quartz Chronometer, but Italian connoisseurs quickly gave it the nickname “laureate” due to the precision of this model.
Regularly declined, reinterpreted, the Laureato still maintains the essence of the original model today, with its round case topped by an octagonal bezel and dressed up with a perfectly integrated case. If you add the motif of its dial, with this watch, you get a perfect alternative to Audemars-Piguet’s Royal Oak!
The other must-have model from Girard-Perregaux was also born in the 1970s, just one year after the Laureato. This is the legendary Casquette, often copied, but never equaled (even if we really like the Digitrend from Amida).
Re-launched with a 2.0 edition, the new Cap benefits from the collaboration with Saint-Laurent to display a style that is always audacious. Now designed in black ceramic and titanium, it still boasts its famous ergonomic case that hugs the wrist with a digital time display on the edge. The production of this Cap 2.0 is announced at 820 copies only, but this watch is already appearing as a new classic, a piece cut for collectors.
Where to buy Girard-Perregaux watches?
In France, the Swiss brand has only one store, in Paris (Boulevard des Capucines, in the 9th district). However, Girard-Perregaux collections are available from the usual online watchmaking specialists such as Dubail, Bucherer, Maier…
The latest news from the brand
Everything to know about Girard Perregaux: reviews and most beautiful watches. - Founded in the 19th century, Girard-Perregaux is a historic figure in Swiss watchmaking. Although it does not enjoy the same fame as some of its prestigious counterparts today, it always receives unanimous approval among enthusiasts. A good enough reason to invite you to delve back into the history of this lovely manufacture and to give… Continue reading Everything to know about Girard Perregaux: reviews and most beautiful watches.
These watch brands all have one thing in common and it lies in 2 characters: F1. - The most prestigious watch brands on the planet are an essential part of most timed sports events. Tour de France, sailing race, alpine skiing, athletics… Formula 1 is obviously no exception to the rule, and this, for many decades. If TAG Heuer stands as a pioneer in this area, the Swiss brand finds itself in… Continue reading These watch brands all have one thing in common and it lies in 2 characters: F1.
These 10 beautiful diving watches are perfect for any occasion. - Originally designed for underwater enthusiasts, diving watches are highly technical timekeepers. This does not prevent them from being appreciated by land-lubbers because of their style which is both chic and sporty. Because a pretty dive watch is not just satisfied with being waterproof, here is our selection of 10 beautiful diving watches from past and… Continue reading These 10 beautiful diving watches are perfect for any occasion.