irard-Perregaux has unveiled a pièce unique, housed in a pink gold case suffused with 1791 brilliant cut diamonds and featuring a crown set with an amethyst.

This model is a refined expression of the legendary Laureato, a timepiece that burst onto the watch scene back in 1975 with a groundbreaking quartz movement and intricately formed case. The exclusive model will be sold at the Girard-Perregaux boutique in Geneva, close to where the story of the brand began.

The history of Girard-Perregaux can be traced back to 1791 when Jean-François Bautte, just 19 years of age, signed his first watches in Geneva. Keen to mark this significant milestone, the Maison has created a pièce unique housed in a pink gold case and adorned with 1791 brilliant cut diamonds, a number that celebrates the year in which the Maison was founded.

Traditional grain setting is used to enrich the dial, bezel, case and bracelet with a sea of brilliant gems. The process involves drilling holes in the pink gold exterior to accommodate each diamond, making small adjustments by hand to ensure the optimal fit. The gold is carved to form four grains of metal around each diamond, holding it securely in place.

Thereafter, the hollows around the diamonds are smoothed to create a sublime beading effect. This meticulous and time-consuming process, using various-sized stones, stands as a testament to the artisan’s exceptional skill. Indeed, it took 86 hours of diamond setting, all performed by hand, to realise this brilliant ensemble.

The crown is set with a cabochon in amethyst, a semiprecious stone synonymous with purity, protection and tranquillity. Its vibrant shade sits in tasteful contrast with the colourless precious stones positioned adjacent.

Launched in 1975, the Laureato has always stood out from the crowd, courtesy of its masterful use of shapes. The octagonal bezel sits atop a circular plinth which in turn rests upon a tonneau-shaped case. The elaborate profile of the case freely engages with light, courtesy of its many facets and angles, producing pockets of brilliance and shade. In this instance, the addition of diamonds serves to accentuate this extraordinary interplay with light.

The Laureato 34 mm High Jewellery is available at the Girard-Perregaux boutique Geneva operated in partnership with Bucherer. Price on request.