The Laureato 42

From Girard-Perregaux -

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

I appreciate that there is a tribe out there that believes quite flatly that if you're not wearing a Royal Oak or a Nautilus, you are a pretender.

So while it is true that the Royal Oak came first, and was designed by Gerald Genta, I think in many ways the story of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato has a bit more of an intriguing past. If my understanding is correct, the original was in fact - quartz, as GP was one of the few Swiss brands to actually take the new technology seriously. It was also not the result of a famous designer but rather, the work of a (as far as anyone knows) anonymous Milan (that's Italy, not Ohio) based architect.  

Unfortunately, not unlike Girard-Perregaux itself, the Laureato has gone through more than a few twists and turns, some more unfortunate than others.  But it does seem that finally, just maybe, GP has settled on a design vocabulary for this collection, one that they will follow for more than just the next "season" or until the next CEO moves in. Here's hoping!

The pertinents for this one are as follows -

CASE
Material: Steel
Diameter: 42,00 mm
Height: 10.88 mm
Case-back: Sapphire crystal
Dial: Blue with "Clou de Paris" pattern
Water resistance: 10 ATM

MOVEMENT
CALIBRE
Number: GP01800-0013
Type: Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 30.00 mm (13 1/4''')
Height: 3.97 mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4 Hz)
Number of components: 191
Jewels: 28
Oscillating weight: Steel
Finishes: Côtes de Genève, circular graining and bevelling
Power reserve: Min. 54 hours
FUNCTIONS
Hours, minutes, centre seconds, date.

BRACELET
Size: 27.00 / 18.00 mm
Material: Steel
Buckle: Triple folding
Buckle material: Steel

Stay the Fuck Home

So, it seems that nobody has a monopoly on dumbfuckery and douchebaggery.  Tag Heuer decided that with the ever increasing numbers of infections in the US, it would be a saucy and bold move to... 

Hold a fucking party in a nightclub in New York City to launch a connected watch.  

#dickmove

Despite what one noted watch journalist might whisper in the ears of MANY watch brand executives, I am not the Anti-Christ.  True story, following a spill on my bicycle, certain parts of my hairline were shaved away, and no "sign of the beast" was found.  Sorry to disappoint  "you know who you are".

We are living in wicked-strange times.  Two days ago, I watched a well-educated, wealthy 60-something woman, who should have known better, threaten the life of a receptionist in a physical therapy clinic because schools in the area were closing and one of their therapists was leaving work early to pick up their child.

Toilet paper is apparently even more desirable than a stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus.

People are clearly scared.  And when people are scared, the do some pretty wacky things.

Having said that, science is a bitch goddess that does not give two shits what your political beliefs and marketing agendas are.  Gravity is one of those pesky things that, along with the crazy notion that the earth is, indeed round, tends to confound several world leaders.  And Covid-19 does not tend to discriminate based on how bold and daring your marketing campaign might be. 

By holding launch parties watch (and other industry) brands are putting far more people at risk than just themselves.  You want to go to crazy town?  You book a solo ticket, you don't force everyone to go with you.

So what's next?  A limited edition to commemorate this special time, say maybe the "2-4% Professional Model" because only 2-4 % will die?  Wouldn't you love to be in that pitch meeting?

These are people who should FUCKING KNOW BETTER than to put so many people at risk to feed their egos.

Truth be told?  If some someone with more Swiss francs than sense wants to soul-kiss a Petri dish of cooties?  Let them.  Fair enough.

But when said jackass books a venue (consigning the servers, bartender, d-jay, guests, and... - their fucking loyal staff) to close-quarter contact during a fucking pandemic?

It's a dick move.

#staythefuckhome

ALERT - Stolen Patek Philippe - PLEASE help!

I am re-posting this from Fratello Watches -

Your Help Needed! A Stolen Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726


Once in a while we are being confronted with the scum of the Earth that steals other people’s stuff. In the worst case scenario, with violence. On the 5th of July one of our friends was robbed during a watch trade in Amsterdam. It concerns the following watch:

Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 5726/1A

Serial number: 5686847 / 4587076

Reference number: 5726 / 1A – 010

Dial number: H900.936.THNT1

If you come across this watch or know more about it, please contact the Watches and Art blog. A $5000 reward is there for the one who is able to get this watch back to its rightful owner.

Photo shown above is not the actual watch but a similar watch. Please refer to the link above to see pictures of the actual watch and box.

Thanking Tempus Fugit readers in advance for any way that they can help!

James