Rose gold bridges bring fresh warmth to the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges, now joining the permanent collection.
There are few watches in the industry that can bring together two sides of a brand’s history quite like Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges. Introduced in 1975, Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato was among the early luxury sports watches to feature an integrated bracelet design. This was a period in watchmaking when integrated designs were becoming a focal point, with watchmakers leaning towards this contemporary approach.
The Laureato’s octagonal bezel and flowing case were the defining features of the collection. Over the decades, Girard-Perregaux introduced variations of the Laureato, incorporating different movements and materials, while also adding new complications to show a different technical side to the collection.
The collection celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, when Girard-Perregaux introduced the Laureato Fifty. The Fifty took design inspiration from the original 1975 Laureato, especially through its two-tone characteristics. However, it also presented a more contemporary profile, refining the case proportions and integrated bracelet design while retaining the distinctive geometry that made the original Laureato so recognisable.
Alongside the Laureato Fifty, Girard-Perregaux also introduced a Three Gold Bridges edition as part of last year’s 50th anniversary celebrations, connecting the sports watch design with another important part of the brand’s history. For Girard-Perregaux, the Three Bridges design dates back to 1867, long before the Laureato was conceived.
Following on from last year’s monochromatic Three Gold Bridges edition, Girard-Perregaux is now introducing a stunning new model with rose gold bridges, hands and hour indices. This reference also joins the permanent collection, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy the modern 50th anniversary evolution beyond the limited-edition release.
Familiar Laureato Geometry Meets Rose Gold Architecture
The case of the Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges measures 41mm in diameter with a thickness of just 10.85mm, giving this execution of one of the brand’s signature designs relatively slim proportions. The case thickness allows it to sit close to the wrist while also sliding easily underneath a cuff. Considering the complexity of the design inside, a slim profile gives the model a refined and understated appearance.
The model also retains that iconic Laureato architecture, with the octagonal bezel sitting above a circular base. The bezel itself is executed in 18-carat white gold, while the rest of the case and integrated bracelet remain stainless steel. Another defining detail of the Laureato case design is its varied finishes, with brushed surfaces across the bezel, case, and bracelet’s H-links.
The bevelled edges are polished, a finish also carried onto the bracelet’s central links. This gives the watch a beautiful contrast between the different surfaces, while also highlighting the geometric lines and shapes within the Laureato design.
The Three Bridges display features an openworked aesthetic. This gives it a contemporary look while also showcasing the poetic design of the mechanical engine underneath. The individual bridges run horizontally across the display, supporting three major elements of the movement: the mainspring barrel, the central gear train carrying the hour and minute hands, and the tourbillon.
And as you may have seen, Girard-Perregaux has a distinctive arrow-shaped bridge design that immediately stands out visually. The organised construction of the three bridges gives the exposed mechanics underneath a clear sense of geometry, quite fitting for a Laureato timepiece.
The rose gold bridges are certainly the highlight of the timepiece. Compared with the stainless steel case and white gold bezel, the rose gold adds warmth to the dial, while the central jewels on the tourbillon and barrel bridges add just the right amount of colour without detracting attention from the rose gold details.
A sloping peripheral ring around the dial carries the applied rose gold indices, while the central pencil-shaped hands add to the overall warm tones. The tourbillon at 6 o’clock also features Girard-Perregaux’s signature lyre-shaped cage, adding another element of the brand’s recognisable design language to the skeletonised architecture.
Three Bridges, a Tourbillon and a Hidden Micro-Rotor
Inside this latest Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges sits the manufacture calibre GP09620-2856, an automatic movement made up of 303 components. The movement operates at 3Hz (21,600VpH), while offering a 55-hour power reserve, providing just over two days of running time. While initially hard to see, a micro-rotor sits just behind the barrel at the 12 o’clock position. As a micro-rotor, it takes up minimal space within the movement architecture, allowing the dial and caseback to preserve an “open” view.
The caseback continues the Three Bridges architecture, although the bridges themselves aren’t rose gold. For enthusiasts and collectors who love to see the movement on full display, this is one of those timepieces where the extensive details of the calibre can be admired from both sides, with every element beautifully and carefully considered. Across the calibre, there are “418 hand-polished bevels and 362 internal angles”. These internal corners are particularly demanding when it comes to achieving a polished finish.
Initial Thoughts
Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato Three Bridges has always been a personal favourite of mine from the brand, as it brings two distinctive identities together in one timepiece. The Laureato’s signature architecture, combined with the exposed Three Bridges design, gives the watch a familiar exterior while showing the mechanical artistry of the movement. The rose gold bridges add character to the exposed mechanics, and their distinctive arrow-shaped outlines make them feel individually sculpted.
The relatively slim profile of just 10.85mm is another appealing part of this timepiece, especially considering it houses a tourbillon. The micro-rotor design helps keep the movement compact while allowing the timepiece to remain automatic. Combine this with the bracelet’s micro-adjustment system, and this latest Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges is not only visually appealing but also practical. It certainly feels like a fitting way for Girard-Perregaux to connect its sporting identity with its longstanding approach to high watchmaking!
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges
References & Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| References: | 99112-58-3619-1CM |
| Dimensions | 41mm diameter x 10.85mm thickness |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with an 18-carat white gold octagonal bezel, brushed surfaces, polished bevels and an octagonal crown |
| Case Back | Sapphire crystal exhibition caseback |
| Dial | Openworked display with three rose gold Neo Bridges, applied rose gold hour markers, pencil-shaped hands with Super-LumiNova inserts and a tourbillon at 6 o’clock |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides |
| Movement | Automatic manufacture calibre GP09620-2856 with platinum micro-rotor, one-minute tourbillon and running seconds on the tourbillon cage; 303 components and 33 jewels |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Bracelet | Integrated stainless steel bracelet with brushed and polished finishing; triple-folding clasp with up to 4mm of fine adjustment |