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LAUREATO
EVO3
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 The cultural and technical heritage of the GIRARD-PERREGAUX Manufactory boasts many classic models that have distinguished the Brand's most important periods of development and identity throughout its two-hundred-year history.
The LAUREATO takes a special place amongst these creations.
In the early 1970's, GIRARD-PERREGAUX was busily engaged in developing a quartz movement, which, at the time, represented the last word in avant-garde technology in the watch industry. This movement was the result of many bold experiments which began in the late 60's and culminated in a radical innovation that set an international standard. It was GIRARD-PERREGAUX's engineers, in fact, who established the frequency for quartz (32.768 Hertz), which would be used by every quartz movement manufacturer around the world.
To celebrate this technological revolution, the Brand designed a sporty case with an integrated bracelet. It featured a raised polished octagonal bezel, which contrasted elegantly with the satin-finished bracelet.This new watch, manufactured in 1975, was called the LAUREATO.
1975
The name, "Il Laureato", suggested by the Italian importer of the time, was inspired by Mike Nichols' famous film "The Graduate" (1967) starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katharine Ross.
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It was hardly a coincidence that it became a traditional graduation present for students in Italy.
This very popular timepiece underwent its first change in 1984, when a polished inlay to match the bezel was added to the metallic bracelet. Also, the LAUREATO line was enhanced with the famous complicated Equation movements with astronomical indications.
1984
 
The second change was made in 1995. While its basic features were preserved, the LAUREATO was completely rebuilt and fitted with an automatic GP 3000 mechanical movement.
Laureato ref. 80100
1995
Its dimensions were enlarged, the bezel widened, and the bracelet links took on an H shape.
Laureato ref. 80170
1996
 In 1996, the chronograph version was chosen for the Olimpico Collection. In 1998, the same LAUREATO model was equipped with the celebrated Tourbillon movement, proving that this extraordinary mechanism was reliable and robust enough for a sporty model.
1998
And now GIRARD-PERREGAUX has created the third edition of this model and given it the name LAUREATO EVO3.
2004
Evo3
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A worthy successor to the models which preceded it, the LAUREATO EVO3 is fitted with a Manufactory-made automatic chronograph movement.
Starting with the 24-hour counter at 9 o'clock and moving clockwise are the analogue date indicator hand, the seconds counter and the hour counter. The minutes are indicated by a white, red-tipped centre hand and the seconds by a red centre seconds-hand.
 
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The steel case has the classic theme of an octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, but featuring softer lines than the earlier models. The bracelet comprises alternate satin-finished, H-shaped links and polished rectangular elements and is rounded off with a new safety clasp.
 
The interplay of polished and satin-finished elements is an important design feature of the new LAUREATO EVO3. The push-pieces and crown are also polished, as is the bezel's circular base, thereby contrasting with the octagonal ring which has been satin-finished for the first time.
The balance and rotor of the Manufactory-made movement can be admired through the transparent case-back.
Technical specifications:
| Sport Classique |
| Laureato Evo3, automatic |
| Movement GP 033C0-A0VAA |
| Frequency 28.800 Vibr./h (4 Hz) |
| 52 jewels |
| Power reserve min. 46 hours |
| Sapphire crystals |
| See-through case-back fastened with 6 screws |
| Water-resistance 50 m |
| Crown and pushpieces screwed |
| Case diameter 44.00 mm |
| Case height 15.10 mm |
| Integrated bracelet |
click on the picture to enlarge
(c) Text and pictures 2004 by Girard-Perregaux, all rights reserved
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My personal impressions of the Evo3:
Since i had the very recent chance to see and wear the Laureato Evo3, i´d like to share my impressions.
First of all, i´m very impressed. I like the Laureato ref. 80100
very much for what it is: certainly a milestone design and, as noted above, a model line that offered innovative solutions both in terms of design and function.
The Evo3 is clearly the latest member of this model family, but it is different as well. It is a sturdy, massive watch with a large case and it is a dominant timepiece; yet, it does not lack the elegance and sportive look the predessors are so famous for. While the case size may appear large by the sheer figures, it certainly does not look that way when worn. That is rather unusual for me to say, as i´m used to strap much smaller timepieces that rarely exceed case diameters of 35mm.
The improvement in design and execution is apparent, which sum up in a watch that is perfect for use on both formal and casual occasions. The improvements not only include the case and bracelet, which i regard a more integrated look than older Laureato models had, but the functions as well. The water resistance of 50m may be lower than older pieces, but is probably more than enough for the intended use and the dangers the average owner of a Laureato Evo3 will expose this watch. On the other hand, details as the easy-to-use screw down crown and pushers as well as the significantly improved bracelet and clasp add a real benefit for the owner.
A specific bonus of the Evo3 is the arrangement of the time-counting functions: The additional counter out of the center not only adds a lot to the appearance, but turned out to be easy to read. In addition, a 24h-counter is something new and sets the Laureato much apart from other chronographs.
The pictures certainly do the watch only limited justice; it is a timepiece that should be inspected first-hand to get some impression of the finely finished case, the beautiful movement and the way it looks on the wrist.
But if you like the older Laureato watches, i´m confident a nice surprise awaits you: In my very personal opinion the Laureato Evo3 is the best Laureato so far. Keeping in mind the Laureato Tourbillon is a real Haute Horlogerie and uncomparable piece, in my eyes the Evo3 is another example for the constant improvement of their watches by GP. As the pictures may reveal, GP´s current watches are probably the best they ever made and the Evo3 is an obvious improvement. It represents a huge step forward when compared to the watches of 10, 20 or 30 years ago.
And that is what i like much about Girard-Perregaux: Not only it is a small and independent brand, but their efforts are apparent and result in most exciting, beautiful and unusual timepieces of high quality.
Greetings from germany,
Peter
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