The Definitive Alternative To The AP Royal Oak? Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Review 

I´m a WOSTEP certified watchmaker (2001-2004). I´m not currently doing bench work since another business opportunity presented itself around 10 years ago. However my understanding and knowledge of watches is still at a very high level. GP and UN are perhaps the most underrated brands out there. To better understand you can compare GP to AUDI but before to the car manufactures remodeling of it´s whole marketing strategy some 25 years ago. They made great cars but compared to "sporty" BWM (AP) & "luxurious" Mercedes (PP) they didn´t really know who their customers where and therefor their cars had "something for everyone" = no clear target audience. A company that can produce an icon like the Three Bridges (or UN´s Freak) packs centuries of immense knowhow on the engineering side. Now they just need to hire that level of accomplishment on the marketing side. Hell, all of Rolex success was forged thru marketing and not by "engineering". GP is an awesome manufacturer but they´ve been way to diverse. Now they need to scrap the Vintage 1945 collection and reintroduce a new slimmer contemporary Seahawk line and ditch the Cat´s Eye completely for something that appeals to the upper echelon of white collar women between the ages of 30 to 40.

The Laureato is such a connoisseur's choice. Great value and heritage , I find that the green dial pops so much more than the blue!

I purchased a GP Laureato Absolute after becoming enamored with the brand thru videos like this. I won my first auction and was very excited, until it arrived. I was totally underwhelmed at unboxing and thought it might go on the auction block again real soon. Boy was I wrong! Wearing it provided a wonderful experience, the architecture of the case and dial design were something to be appreciated. It is an extremely accurate watch and a treasure in my collection. The bottom line is that videos like this expose the collector (or random watch buyer in my case) to models and brands that might not otherwise be considered.

I love seeing the Laureato getting so much attention recently but hope it doesn't get overhyped like everything else.

Happy to distinguish between a watch lover and a brand conscious watch lover. GP has history, the chops and this watch in green gives every satisfaction of bringing these on your wrist with a striking green dial. Thanks for giving the context- otherwise it’s just as easy to say AP copied Cartier by having nails! I have the green dial you featured and it’s a joy! Thanks again for the detailed vid..

Just got the GP Laureato blue, wears like a dream! Haute horology! Thank you again Teddy for such a thorough review, and it makes me proud to hear about these under appreciated points of the Laureato. I own an AP RO chrono, and dare I say it… I like the Laureato even more. You really have to try it on to know how well built it is!

i have bought one today. i had many doubts. i have to say this is a great watch. Incredible, comfortable and so beautiful on the wrist. i like it more than the rolex datejust for example. icould choose between the laureato and a datejust. No doubts when you see the two one beside the other. Laureato wins ins everything.

Laureato is a great value proposition from the brand with a such rich history. I would love to see more 38mm variants. Also would be nice to have their other models updated. Like the Vintage 1945 for example. They would benefit from smaller case sizes.

Laureato 38mm in Copper, thats on my wishlist now! It's astonishing!

I bought the GP Laureato when it was first r-introduced in 2017. I have the blue face verson. No regrets Great pricing and more importantly, it's readily available I'm considering the GP Laureato chronograph

For me the watch of the year 2022. When i first saw it in the AD Window it stood out of all the other watches. Looked like a big Smaragd. Hope it doesn't get overhyped. The green Clous de Paris dial is the most beautiful green dial ive ever seen. The bracelet is fantastic, though a micro adjustment would make it perfect. Wears like silk on the skin. A stunner. Some people like Porsche, Mercedes, BMW or Ferrari. This would probably be in the categegorie Aston Martin. Depends on your Type, what suits you.

I have had the green Laureato 42mm on display here since mid November where it was initially launched at the Wempe boutiques. It is extremely comfortable to wear, a great conversation starter even among non-watch-addicts. The dial and the vintage bracelet design really gives my Rolex DJ41 Chocolate dial a good “vintage run” for the money. I am very eager to see how GP will be re-positioned as an Independent brand and hope that they will make their dealer network act accordingly. Even more importantly I hope that GP will reach out to its fan base and occassionally make events of different kind. Grand Seiko has shown in recent years that a great product with the right market approach can scale the brand

I've tried on the blue eternity Edition in person, stunning and for half the price if not a third of the current popular competitors. Love it

I own the Laureato chrono and bought it second hand for about 40 percent off of retail. I actually like this watch over the AP because its size is slimmer and fits my wrist better, even though, as some people may point out, yes I cannot afford an AP even if I did want one. But my self esteem doesn't depend on others knowing that I'm wearing the discount version of an expensive watch, so I'm happy to wear something that flies under the radar and doesn't get noticed. Makes me feel safer walking through London.

I own the GP Laureato Chrono with blue dial. The dial is so amazing due to the sun or light shining on it. It varies from dark blue to a bright shimmering blue. The movement is working exactly like the Rolex ones. The bracelet has no easy adjustment, but cannot understand why. It's always fitting to my wrist. Maybe the shape is the reason. Instead of the RO it's a real sport watch. 10 bar, shock resistance etc. For me it's the better RO and the better Daytona.

Hi Teddy. I’m your big fan from Thailand here. I just got this green laureato last week and what I can say is that it is really a masterpiece and at ( or almost ) up there with the trinity in quality and craftsmanship. I’m very happy to finally get this watch. And the green color is very nice and different from others too.

I’ve personally tried on the 38mm version in three dial colors: grey, white and blue. It certainly is a very attractive watch, well made and not too expensive. But I finally went for an Alpine Eagle for one main reason: the dial of the Laureato is nice but not mesmerizing as the one of the Alpine Eagle. I also find the branding on the dial and the hands and rehaut less refined in the Laureato than in the Alpine Eagle. So great watch undeniably but not my personal favorite. But I guess some might not like the Roman numerals of the Alpine Eagle and prefer the hobnail texture of the Laureato. A matter of personal taste of course. Thank you for the great work, Teddy!

I have it agree with all the positive comments only addition to the negative is the bracelet isn’t easy to size as it doesn’t use screws for the lugs. Otherwise what a value with in house movement with beautiful finishing and a beautiful 3d dial

I find the Alpine Eagle to be the most attractive alternative integrated bracelet piece to those unable and/or unwilling to commit to a RO. This GP is hyped at the moment and another great Teddy video helps me understand why. I prefer the Chopard dials and subtle styling cues which separate them from being such a homage, but mad respect for those who prefer the GP.

I do own the Eternity Green Enamel dial as well as the RO 15510. Objectively speaking the GP sits a little smoother on the (my) wrist and has a beautiful dial to stare at! Thanks for the informative video Teddy

I have the blue Laureato and love it … its the comfiest watch i own with its silky smooth bracelet and thin case at 10.8mm. The GP has history and only make 12k watches per year, so are rare piece and therefore more exclusive than all the other integrated sports watches… plus it just looks gorgeous :)

Been looking to buy the laureado 38 since it came out, this video definitively convinced me to go forward

I just saw this GP Laureato video again. I bought the green dial at a Wempe Boutique in Madrid just when it was released one year ago. Among my growing collection of watches this green beauty has turned out to be possibly the best conversation starter among fellow watch nerds. It is overall just an awesome watch. Great video!

I love the look of the GP Laureato way more than the RO and Nautilus. I had the money to buy anyone of those, I'd still stick with the Laureato. Looks cooler and has less hype. For me, the hype around the Nautilus and RO just ruin the watch.

I have the blue chrono - just a fantastic piece. I'm thinking of getting another one as I suspect this may be the last time you won't need to get on the waiting list &/or pay MSRP. The AD I know well told me that they are now just getting literally less than 6 pieces a year!

Very nice review indeed. I'm fortunate enough to wear a 42mm blue dial (that I purchased before the hype) - and I consider it as one of the best dial of the current watch production; The white version (of a friend of mine) is laso a true stunner. I've also been the owner of a Royal oak 39mm and I would say that even if it's slimmer with a better looking bracelet, the dial itself make a difference towards the Laureato - and considering the price gap, the GP is an easy winner :).

The Chopard Alpine Eagle, that I rediscovered in your channel and got me pulling the trigger, is also an excellent proposition in my opinion; but would happily raise my hands for a GP!!

Lucky to own the the blue dial. Love this watch, so comfortable to wear and looks stunning.

Very interesting. My main “grail” watch right now is the Zenith Defy. But your photography brought out a three dimensional depth that blew me away. Makes me question which I should strive for.

🧡a color-matched date wheel! Wish more watches featured this thoughtful touch

Having had both on my wrist I’d actually take the Zenith Skyline over the Laureato. I like a bit more wrist presence and the Zenith takes the cake there while still being very comfortable. By comparison the Laureato just felt kinda vanilla and lackluster. I also think I liked the slightly more prominent lines on the Skyline. I think age and personal style may play a role hear… younger and/or slightly trendier may opt for Zenith base on looks whereas older and more conservative may go GP if that makes any sense. Anyways, both nice watches but I was surprised at how much more I preferred the Zenith. In an A/B comparison of one didn’t know the pricing I bet I wouldn’t be alone. Lastly, here is the order in which the integrated bracelet styles that came out in the 70s: 1) Zenith 2) AP 3) GP Seems many are hesitant to mention that Zenith was the first to do it… so it’s really Zenith that everyone is copying.

I love this watch - really! I’ve worn the 42 and 38, and definitely prefer the way the 38 fits. I think it’s fairly priced, remarkably slim and is arguably the best 1-watch collection watch < $15k. BUT Pretending that its blatant copying of the royal oak is in any way equivalent to the nautilus is just ridiculous. 1) Yeah, it came out first, but Gerald Genta designed the nautilus - he has more of a right to take inspiration from his own design. 2) The Nautilus is way, waaaayyy more different from the royal oak than this is. 3) Key features that make it look even more like the AP have happened recently. The bezel has got wider, the dial tapisserie is a closer match now than it was.

I like the cut and color of that green coat Teddy. Matches the impressive green dial and bezel of the GP, classy as always.

Great watch and definitely a worthy contender!

Had this green dial hands on few weeks ago at AD. I have to say I was really impressed with the GREEN on the Laureato comparing to the Aston Martin version, or other green dial watches by other brands. I personally own a Laureato Chrono, the regular Laureato is more comfortable on wrist. The only cons for me is the making of the bracelet, feeling a bit of lacking quality. Before I purchased the Laureato Chrono, I was choosing between that and Alpine eagle. Not regretting but would love to own the alpine eagle with decent price (NOT THE RRP).

I brought the black dial 42mm. Last month. Totally love it. Exceptional finishing that can go against the holytrinity.

Laureato is a GOAT watch, especially the panda chronograph or the recent green + carbon edition.

I own the blue chronograph version and definitely agree that the Laureato is an overlooked group. My opinion is that GP has a long term hit with it.

Great video and very informative. Beautiful, elegant watch that flies under the radar of the "must have" watches. I dream of owning one of these :)

Another great video and content. I agree this is definitely a worthy consideration given the great finishing and bracelet - much nicer than the PRX but still a long way short of the AP Royal Oak, if only they were obtainable :-) The peer comparison at this price point I think is actually GP Laureato vs (under appreciated and easier to obtain) Piaget Polo. Another worthy consideration is the Atelier Wen Perception. Wins on dial (hand made guilloche), decent bracelet, not as nice in terms of brushed/polished contrast or tapering as the GP or AP. But pound for pound the best quality for value (at 2.5k), Lastly, cosmetics. Whilst I love green dials, I do much prefer the Laureato 42mm in blue dial above the green. Not personally a fan of this shade of green. As a comparison, I actually think the darker green dial of the Tissot PRX works better with steel than this, and the PRX green dial is nicer than the PRX in blue! I think brighter green dials like on the Laureato pair better with a gold case/bracelet (think Rolex). Great video and food for thought

I would expect better quality control for that $$$. The second hand is rubbing on the minute hand. Check it out at the 5:30 mark.

I just started getting back into watches again. Thanks, Teddy, for all the informative videos. especially on not going too crazy when just starting out.

I have a GP Carre Cambre chrono 2499 from the oughts and it is just lovely. GP achieves presence, cool factor, and technical quality at a sweet spot price.

Gotta say I like it better than the Royal Oak.

I'm in lust for the GP Laureato, particularly the new Laureato 38 mm Copper dial edition. While many find the Royal Oak the epitome of sports watches, I find I prefer the Laureato. Genta-inspired, it has a simpler bezel than the Royal Oak which frames the beautiful dial on this watch. And of course, you could buy several Laureatos for the price of an AP Royal Oak. A truly beautiful watch.

I literally just scored a 2021 blue dial Laureato this very afternoon and she's is a beauty!

I have the 42mm white dial with black rubber strap, and I absolutely love wearing it over my rolex, tudor, and some others

I have a Blue GP Laureato Chrono and a PP 5711, and in all honesty the GP is a better watch other than movement finishing (as detailed in the non Chrono as mine has a closed case back).

One of the best integrated watches out there. It has history, truly in-house movement, beautiful overall design, and excellent value for the money.

I've seen this watch in person, and it is very muted in comparison to the Royal Oak. Great video as always Teddy.

This video shows even more why the PRX is such a great value. This is a gorgeous watch but it’s hard to argue this is worth paying more than 20 times what you would for the Tissot.

the orginal font and text looks much better imo, hope the change it back in the future

Nice video thanks. Just bought one one month ago in 42 blue. Incredible watch very confortable to wear.

The octagonal bezel does not serve as a functional point and isn't screwed into the case. It's secured by screws which can be seen on the rear of the case. I've clarified this with GP at their marketing events.

I really like it very much. However is it my imagination or was the second hand marking the hour hand on that example? I love this much more than a Royal Oak and I think that GP are definitely on the rise.

Another great review. I am lucky enough to own this watch (blue dial) and absolutely love it. Your points about where it sits in the market today are spot on - greatly underappreciated but very much a true high horology luxury sport watch (of the integrated bracelet style) with it's own strong history and lineage. As you point out the continued criticisms levelled against this watch that it is an AP RO copy are too simplistic and in my opinion a little tiresome and boring. This watch was designed by the Italian architect Natalini from Milan and as such used inspirations from architectural shapes from renaissance Milan. For me, when I look at my Laureato, I certainly do not see an RO or Nautilus.

As usual a great review and amazing new camera quality 👌🏽

Hey Teddy! What's your thought these days on Breitling and Certina watches?

I will pick it up this week! Just can`t wait 😀

Thanks Teddy, I own the Laureato Perpetual, 42mm, blue dial, a watch that you rarely see..., I also have the Nautilus 5726 1/1A014 which is as comfortable to wear as the Laureato and also highly water resistant, and my least likable sports watch is the Royal Oak crono 38mm blue Panda which is not comfortable to wear... agree the Laureato is a great option...!!!

Just received my 001 from Teddy’s shop and absolutely love it!

This is a very nice watch, but i dont see where the 14k go. The hands look tinny and very thin, hour markets too. I would expect something better at this price point. The indices and hands on a PRX look better… i really like this watch but the areas mentioned are a dealbreaker for me. Great informative video.

Finally getting its roses. The bronze copper dial is my dream holy grail.

I absolutely adore your jacket in this video.

I have the one with the black dial and I really love it. But green looks really nice too

Teddy do a poll to see if your audience wants the watch collector's anthem back.

5:26 It’s strange to see a big scratch across the minutes hand with such a luxury watch Great video Teddy 👍🏼

Royal Oak is not the first integrated Genta design. That honor goes to Rolex Texan from 1971. So in reality the Royal Oak was playing second fiddle

I have a suggestion for you watch reviews, perhaps ad crown comfort. Some screw down or regular crowns are kind of uncomfortable to use some are smooth as butter and don''t hurt your thumb or fingers when you tighten or un-tighten them.

Hi Teddy, got one in blue and I love it. I own an AP chrono, and this gives me the same feelings!!!

Teddy dresses perfectly every time, A true gent!

Nice watch, I have only seen one GP in person and they are nice. I have held several AP ROs and they are very nice but not worth the money, in my opinion. I own the ML Aikon, FC Highlife and the 40 mm PRX as alternatives and strongly favor the FC Highlife as an alternative to the RO or Nautilus, if you don't have deep pockets. As Teddy mentioned the Zenith Defy is also really really nice and nearly purchased one but I have to many other watches to justify buying anymore. Great video, good to see alternatives to heavy hitters in the watch game

I'm a fan of this piece and was wondering how it wears on you Teddy as I have the same wrist size. Would it be the 38mm or 42mm?

Why does it look like the counter weight on the second hand has dragged along the top of the minute hand??

Teddy, plsss make an f91w video review 🙏 🙏🙏

Chasing up the price of the GP (which was ignored until recently) because Royal Oak prices went crazy doesn't seem the wisest move. Especially now those who had forgotten have been reminded sharply that watch prices go down too.

Winter coat on... must be cold in the office. Saving on electricity?

Non watch question, where did you got the jacket? Always the perfect the videos!

i like the B&M Riviera that you also reviewed as an alternative, I believe Genta was also the designer of it so you are still getting something designed by Genta himself, and from the same period of the RO.

Great review and an echo to my thoughts. I have the ceramic version and love it! Bought it on the secondary market several years back for half or retail - doubt that deal is still out there!

Hot take: the Chopard Alpine Eagle is way sexier than the GP. I never got on with the Laureato's stepped octagon bezel with the circular base. Not pleasing to my eye.

Just recerntly got the GP Laurato blue dial. I am loving it!

Tried it on this last weekend and it was really nice.

Personally, I’d go 38. But yes it’s a nice watch for sure and absolutely worth considering. Though I’m not entirely sure anyone in the market for an AP will cross shop and get this instead.

Hey Teddy great vid as usual! I owned the chronograph. I eventually sold it for two reasons: the dealer I purchased it from misrepresented the watch, and when I required service GP was extremely unhelpful. All too bad because it really is a beautiful machine.

I like you jacket, where is it from? Thanks

GP is on the rise and I love to see it.

Since GP spun off to become independent, I am very impressed with the brand. Do they hold their value?

Can we get a list for larger wrist please???? 39mm/40mm/42mm are to small for bigger guys.

Gorgeous watch. I feel like the movement could be prettier, and it's a bit pricey, but I love the overall design.

I own the 38mm white ceramic GP/Bamford Laureato - definitely a statement piece.

This GP just doesn't do it for me. If I was searching for a RO alternative, I'd probably be looking at Piaget Polo or Zenith.

Getting an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for 20k is a dream. You are lucky to get one for 100k now

I was wondering when Teddy would come across this!

Appreciate the thoughts. Not a big fan of "homage" watches or w/e term you like, but I do like this one. But, I think they're really gonna regret this one because of the price point. $15k, IMO, for a stainless GP sport watch is an area they're really going to struggle compete in. GP should've gone for something more dramatic and innovative, @ a different target market. Think they're almost guaranteed to have a tough sell on this one.

Good review. I have couple of GP watches, neither of them Laureato. They predate Kering era e.g. the time when GP made Ferrari F1 2000 chronographs. No one has ever reviewed those watches, or movements ... as I recall. Yet the movements were fairly unusual pieces of the engineering.

I handled the 18ct rose gold on the strap today in London. The price is something of a horological bargain. The fit and finish exquisite. The ergonomics work beautifully and conformity to the wrist is just so. This is a very refined piece and the watch is accessible straight out the door. I thoroughly enjoyed your review and am now something of a convert to this brand. Don’t want the cock n bull that goes with the pathetic hype watches - this could be the course.

Teddy why the big brands don't use lume on the date as well?

Would you consider the Omega Globemaster as an integrated sports watch? If you do it’s underrated.

Hey can you make a review on the Omologato panamericana watch