Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm Sage Green Review
When people think of integrated sport watches from the 1970s, their first thoughts are probably to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or the Patek Philippe Nautilus. And for good reason as these two pieces paved the way for the integrated bracelets in the following years and decades. The Laureato, however, is another integrated bracelet sport watch from the era that has stood the test of time. Born in 1975 (4 years after the Royal Oak, and a year prior to the Nautilus) the Laureato is another golden era integrated bracelet design that has become iconic. While it may not command the same level of hype as the aforementioned Royal Oak and Nautilus, the Laureato has always held its own for those who know where to look. One of their more recent releases, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm in Sage Green, continues to carve out its niche, offering a fresh take on a classic design without shouting for attention. I had the chance to go hands on with the watch and really liked what I saw.
Girard-Perregaux is one of those brands that quietly goes about its business with little fanfare, but plenty of substance. The Laureato might not be the first watch that comes to mind when discussing integrated bracelet sports watches, but it definitely has earned its place in the pantheon of great integrated designs. The design has evolved subtly over the decades, always maintaining its distinct DNA. The octagonal bezel, polished surfaces, and Clous de Paris textured dial are all hallmarks of the Laureato line, and they return here in perfect form.
While more recently, the three-handed Laureato was available in 42mm, brands have been sizing down their watches in recent years, and GP did so with the Laureato in 2022, releasing a 38mm model (perhaps going back to the model’s roots). The 38mm case size strikes a delicate balance: large enough to feel modern, but compact enough to retain that refined, vintage charm. Girard-Perregaux seems to have nailed the proportions, especially for those who find the current trend of oversized sports watches a little too heavy-handed. The case measures just 10mm thick, making it to slip under a cuff.
The real star of the show is the dial. Sage Green isn't a color often seen in luxury watches, which makes its appearance here all the more striking. It's not an in-your-face green like we see on many other watches. Rather, it's a muted, earthy tone that shifts between light olive and grey depending on the lighting. This kind of subtlety is where Girard-Perregaux excels. It’s a color that feels both contemporary and timeless, offering just enough personality without ever feeling trendy.
The Clous de Paris pattern, a signature of the Laureato line, adds a layer of texture to the dial. The pyramid-like details create a dynamic surface that never feels flat. Baton-style hour markers and hands are rhodium-plated and generously filled with luminescent material, offering excellent legibility in both day and night. A discreet date window sits at 3 o'clock. The date window is color-matched to the dial, so that it doesn't disrupt the symmetry of the dial.
But perhaps my favorite part is the subtle pop of sophistication added by the GP logo at 12 and the seconds hand. Unlike the steel applied indices and hands, they are rose gold. I really like when brands add just a bit of contrast like this. I don’t think making all the hands and indexes rose gold would have worked. This watch is meant to be more subtle. But just the seconds hand and log being rose gold is incredibly nice. It also contrasts very well with the sage green dial. It shows that the GP designers are paying attention to the little details.
Girard-Perregaux’s approach to case finishing deserves more attention than it often gets. The alternating brushed and polished surfaces give the Laureato a tactile quality that rewards close inspection. The octagonal bezel, a defining feature of the collection, is well-proportioned, neither too aggressive nor too soft. It frames the dial without overwhelming it.
The integrated bracelet follows suit with brushed H-links, polished connector links and polished edges. I prefer a mixture of polished and brushed surfaces on an integrated bracelet design. To me it adds a bit of luxury, allowing the watch to cross seamlessly between being a sporty everyday wear and something that you’d wear with a suit. Additionally, the butterfly clasp connects the two ends of the bracelet without interrupting the flow.
On the wrist, the 38mm size feels great. The watch has a tight 43.3mm lug-to-lug width, meaning that this watch will work well on those with smaller wrists than even my 6.75 inch wrist.
Inside the Laureato 38mm Sage Green is the GP03300-3476 automatic movement. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), the movement delivers a 46-hour power reserve. It’s visible through the sapphire case back, where Girard-Perregaux’s finishing skills are on full display. The pink gold rotor adds a splash of warmth, while Geneva stripes and perlage showcase attention to detail on the finishing.
While the GP03300 isn’t pushing the boundaries of mechanical innovation, it’s a rock-solid movement with proven reliability. This isn't a watch that needs to shout about its technical prowess. It simply performs without fuss.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Laureato 38mm is how natural it feels on the wrist. I have spent a lot of time trying on different integrated bracelet designs, and they can all feel wildly different on the wrist. My 41mm Royal Oak, for example, tests the limits of what I can pull off with an over 50mm lug-to-lug length. The 40mm IWC Ingenieur, however, fits my wrist like a glove. And the 38mm Laureato also looks great on my wrist. The combination of a slim case, integrated bracelet, and 38mm diameter makes for a watch that disappears in the best way possible. It’s light without feeling insubstantial, and the balanced proportions mean it suits a wide range of wrist sizes (not just mine).
In many ways, the Laureato 38mm represents the sweet spot for those who appreciate understated luxury. It’s neither too sporty nor too dressy. It occupies that rare middle ground where a watch can be worn every day without ever feeling out of place.
It’s impossible to talk about the Laureato without acknowledging its competition. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus loom large in this space, while the Vacheron Constantin Overseas (and even the Historiques 222) adds another heavyweight contender. But where those watches have become symbols of exclusivity and skyrocketing secondary market prices, the Laureato remains refreshingly under the radar.
In some ways, that makes it a true collector’s choice. It’s not a watch that screams status, it’s a watch that whispers good taste. The Sage Green dial only reinforces that low-key appeal. For those who want a luxury sports watch without buying into the hype cycle, the Laureato is one of the best-kept secrets in the game.
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm Sage Green is the kind of watch that reveals itself slowly. It doesn’t demand attention, but once you spend time with it, it only grows on you. The muted green dial set against the gold seconds hand and logo, adds a bit of sophistication to an otherwise subtle steel sports watch.
In a world where luxury watches often feel like status symbols first and timepieces second, the Laureato stands apart. It’s a watch for those who appreciate the finer points of design and craftsmanship without needing to broadcast it to the world. Price for the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm Sage Green is $14,900 USD. Learn more at Girard-Perregaux’s website.
