Dilemna.
Ideally, would like a Royal Oak (39 mm given my wrist size), but of course not happening. Could go for the 37 mm with a blue dial from the gray market but don't think it's a good value proposition, especially considering I'm not getting the ideal case size.
So, have been looking at the new Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38 mm and the Chopard Alpine Eagle. Have tried both of them on the wrist and both work well.
Both have amazing dials and both have bracelets that leave a lot to be desired. Solid movements on both.
I understand there's a huge delta even between the retail prices of these and the RO. But I have a feeling that even if I did opt for one of these, I might still have the itch for the RO (37 mm).
Thoughts? Has anyone else arrived at similar crossroads?
A watch enthusiast, learning about this incredible field.
Gonna plagiarize heavily from others with the phrase: "The most expensive watch you'll ever buy is the one you bought instead of the one you wanted."
Gonna plagiarize heavily from others with the phrase: "The most expensive watch you'll ever buy is the one you bought instead of the one you wanted."
Forgot about that phrase, thanks for the reminder! Makes good sense.
The laureato looks like the perfect blend of all the integrated watches. If I was buying one for myself and not for flaunting, I think the GP is the one.
The laureato looks like the perfect blend of all the integrated watches. If I was buying one for myself and not for flaunting, I think the GP is the one.
As I mentioned in the original post, I think it is a wonderful watch, just wish the bracelet was better. Would be happy to pay a little extra if GP would work on this issue.
And like you said, it does have great looks without the stigma of a hype watch.
Dang it, Max!! Now you got me all messed up again! 😂
@HotWatchChick69 hit the nail on the head. If you really want a RO, the others aren't going to give you the same satisfaction. You need to buy a watch because you love it, not because it reminds you of a watch that you love.
As I mentioned in the original post, I think it is a wonderful watch, just wish the bracelet was better. Would be happy to pay a little extra if GP would work on this issue.
And like you said, it does have great looks without the stigma of a hype watch.
Dang it, Max!! Now you got me all messed up again! 😂
curious what the issue w the bracelet on the Laureato is? Just not comfortable or a specific issue?
curious what the issue w the bracelet on the Laureato is? Just not comfortable or a specific issue?
It is comfortable and there's nothing 'wrong' with it. To me, it isn't as premium as the rest of the watch. I would say it is much better than the Alpine Eagle because the taper on that is almost negligible. But if you have tried on a RO, you will notice how it drapes on your wrist, is very slim, and the finishing is very nice.
It is comfortable and there's nothing 'wrong' with it. To me, it isn't as premium as the rest of the watch. I would say it is much better than the Alpine Eagle because the taper on that is almost negligible. But if you have tried on a RO, you will notice how it drapes on your wrist, is very slim, and the finishing is very nice.
gotcha- good to know- I'm v interested in the Laureato but haven't tried one on except with all of the plastic on the bracelet so was hard to tell
gotcha- good to know- I'm v interested in the Laureato but haven't tried one on except with all of the plastic on the bracelet so was hard to tell
If you like the design and how it wears then I think you will be very happy with the overall build quality.
I have decided to go for the new 38 mm in the copper-ish dial. Will have to see it in the metal but looks very promising.
Good luck with your hunt! :)
If you like the design and how it wears then I think you will be very happy with the overall build quality.
I have decided to go for the new 38 mm in the copper-ish dial. Will have to see it in the metal but looks very promising.
Good luck with your hunt! :)
Same re the 38mm copper! Thanks for the insight- appreciate it
I’m not a big fan of integrated bracelets, but the GP copper looks good to me. I a very different GP in my collection ( a 1966), but it is a favorite with great construction and a look that remains distinct from other brands. If it looks and feels good to you when you try it on, I’d go for the GP.
@HotWatchChick69 hit the nail on the head. If you really want a RO, the others aren't going to give you the same satisfaction. You need to buy a watch because you love it, not because it reminds you of a watch that you love.
^This. You'll never be happy otherwise.