Swiss watch brand
Girard-Perregaux: history, models and value
Girard-Perregaux is a manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds whose history reaches back to 1791. It is best known for the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges and the Laureato, and is today part of the independent Sowind Group.
- Founded
- 1791 (Bautte); 1856 (Girard-Perregaux)
- Founder(s)
- Jean-François Bautte; Constant Girard, Marie Perregaux
- Headquarters
- La Chaux-de-Fonds
- Owner / group
- Sowind Group (independent since 2022)
Girard-Perregaux: origins and founding
The brand counts its history from 1791, when Jean-François Bautte signed his first watches in Geneva. Bautte built a workshop that brought together the different watchmaking trades of his time. The name Girard-Perregaux came later: in 1852 Constant Girard founded Girard & Cie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and in 1856 the Girard-Perregaux manufacture was established. In 1906 the two lines joined, when Constant Girard-Gallet acquired the Bautte house and merged it with Girard-Perregaux.
Founders and family
Constant Girard was a watchmaker with a strong interest in precision timekeeping. In 1854 he married Marie Perregaux, and the company carries both their names. Later, Constant Girard-Gallet brought the Bautte heritage into the company in 1906.
Girard-Perregaux history and milestones
- 1884: Constant Girard applies for a US patent for his Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges.
- 1889: the tourbillon wins a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition.
- 1965: the Gyromatic HF movement, a high-frequency automatic at 36,000 vibrations per hour.
- 1968: the Olimpico, made for the Mexico City Olympics.
- 1970: the company's first quartz wristwatch. A second model in 1971 used the 32,768 Hz frequency that became the standard for quartz watches.
- 1975: the first Laureato.
- Late 1980s: Girard-Perregaux becomes part of the Swiss Sowind Group.
- 2008–2011: luxury group Kering (then PPR) takes a stake in Sowind and gains majority control in 2011.
- 2013: first watch with the brand's constant-force escapement.
- 2022: Kering sells Sowind, with Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin, to its management.
Famous Girard-Perregaux models
- Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges: the brand's emblem, with three parallel bridges holding the movement.
- Laureato: launched in 1975, relaunched in 1995 and redesigned in 2016. A full sports collection since 2017, with the octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet.
- Vintage 1945: an Art Deco-inspired rectangular watch.
- 1966: a classic dress line, including full calendar and chronograph versions.
- Gyromatic and Olimpico: vintage models from the 1960s that are often found in estates.
Movements and technique
Girard-Perregaux is a manufacture that makes its own movements in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Current automatic calibres include the GP2700, GP3200, GP3300 and GP4500. The company holds around 80 watchmaking patents. Highlights include the Three Gold Bridges construction, high-frequency movements in the 1960s, pioneering quartz work around 1970 and a constant-force escapement.
Girard-Perregaux today
Girard-Perregaux is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds and belongs to the Sowind Group, which also owns Ulysse Nardin and has been independent since the 2022 management buyout. Patrick Pruniaux has been named as CEO of both brands. The brand sits in the luxury segment, with tourbillons and high complications at the haute horlogerie level.
Girard-Perregaux prices on the pre-owned market
The Laureato, especially steel versions on the integrated bracelet, sells most easily. Tourbillons with Three Gold Bridges are sought after but have a small buyer pool. Vintage Gyromatic and 1960s dress watches are affordable, and value depends strongly on original dials and condition.
How to recognise a genuine Girard-Perregaux
Check that the dial, case and movement match: a modern automatic should carry a GP calibre that fits the reference. On the Laureato, look at the finishing of the octagonal bezel and the bracelet links. On vintage pieces, redials and replacement hands are more common than outright fakes. Papers and service records help. Read our guide on how to spot a fake watch for general checks.
What is your Girard-Perregaux worth?
Take clear photos of the dial, caseback and papers and get a free watch value estimate. If you need a signed document for insurance, an estate or a sale, our watch appraisal service is there for that.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Girard-Perregaux?
Girard-Perregaux belongs to the Sowind Group, together with Ulysse Nardin. Kering sold Sowind to its management in 2022, so the group is independent.
Is Girard-Perregaux a luxury brand?
Yes. It is a manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds with roots in 1791, making its own movements and high complications such as the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges.
When was the Girard-Perregaux Laureato introduced?
The first Laureato appeared in 1975. It was relaunched in 1995 and redesigned in 2016, and has been a full collection since 2017.
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