There is a clear division of roles in the world of watches. Watch manufactures see themselves – first and foremost at least – as watchmakers. They create beautiful products that respect the values and design codes of often centuries-old companies. At the same time, they strive to appeal to and inspire customers. Retailers, on the other hand, see themselves as salespeople and storytellers; sellers of beautiful products, but also of dreams. They build the bridge between watchmaker and customer. After all, they know the dreams, desires, and needs of their clientele better than anyone.
The luxury watch and jewellery retailer Wempe, based in Hamburg yet enjoying a worldwide reputation, goes one step further. Since 2022, Wempe has been creating limited-edition watches in collaboration with renowned brands with the Wempe Signature Collection. The many years of expertise of the family-run company and its customers flow directly into the design process. After all, customers have been relying on the jeweller’s expertise since 1878. The new and first Wempe Signature collaboration of 2024 is commencing with an iconic model. Meet the newly launched exclusive limited edition of 100 pieces: the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 42 mm Signature Collection.
The Laureato from Girard-Perregaux was introduced in 2016 as a limited anniversary edition to mark the company’s 225th anniversary. It proved so popular amongst watch enthusiasts and collectors that it was promptly added to the brand’s permanent product portfolio. Its success can also be explained by certain characteristics that have been extremely popular in the watch community for decades. This includes the striking octagonal bezel, an integrated bracelet, and the waffle-style Clous de Paris pattern on the dial. The dial of the new limited edition Laureato Chronograph 42 mm Signature Collection from Wempe and Girard-Perregaux showcases a completely new look. The Clous de Paris pattern comes in alluring, shimmering copper tones.
The silver-coloured counters and subdial counters with a radial cut for the small seconds (3 o’clock) and the two chronograph counters at 6 o’clock (hours) and 9 o’clock (minutes) match the warm yet industrial look. Moreover, the contrast also ensures optimum readability. The hour and minute hands as well as the baton indices have a luminous green coating. Meanwhile, the gold-plated central seconds hand of the chronograph and the hands of the subdial counters match the copper tone of the dial. Another attractive detail is the discreet date disc between 4 and 5 o’clock, which matches the colour of the dial.
Inside the watch ticks the tried-and-tested GP03300-2361 chronograph calibre (base calibre GP03300) with a 46-hour power reserve, which Girard-Perregaux manufacture and finish in-house. This includes Côtes de Genève, bevelling and laterally polished surfaces.
Both the 42 mm case and the integrated bracelet consist of high-quality 904L stainless steel with a satin and polished finish. The screw-down caseback features an engraving that reads ‘Wempe Signature Collection’ and ‘One of 100’. Accordingly, the Laureato Chronograph 42 mm Signature Collection is a limited edition of 100 pieces. However, the model is available worldwide in all Wempe stores with a Girard-Perregaux license as well as in the Wempe online shop. The price is 19,400 euros.
wempe.com | girard-perregaux.com
