Girard Perregaux
Girard Perregaux
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Reference 4266A we have here represents the second execution of the brand's original Laureato line, following the 1975 debut model. Girard-Perregaux launched the Laureato that year as a "Quartz Chronometer," and by 1980 the design had been refined into subsequent case and dial variants under the 4266 reference family, of which the "A" suffix denotes this particular steel iteration.
This example is presented in stainless steel, with the tonneau-shaped case built around Girard-Perregaux's signature octagonal bezel sitting atop a round base, a design cue borrowed from Italian architecture.
The case, roughly 35mm across, integrates directly into the original steel bracelet with its folding clasp. Inside sits an in-house quartz movement, chronometer-certified in period. As an early, correctly matched steel example with its original bracelet and original papers, it's a desirable representative of the model's early years.
Tech Specs.
Reference: GP Laureato 4266 A
Year: 1980
Movement: Cal. 705-102, chronometer quartz
Service History: unknown
Dial: Blue (turned darker in colour)
Case: Stainless steel/gold plate with screwed-in case back
Measurements: 34.5mm (case diameter), 38mm lug-to-lug, 8mm thickness
Water Resistant: No
Crystal: mineral glass
Crown: signed GP
Bracelet: original signed GP
Lug Width: 17mm
Box & Papers: papers only
Warranty: 3 months
Watches modelled on a 7” (18cms) wrist
Condition
Vintage Girard Perregaux watches are usually elegant and understated and here is a great example of that: the in-house designed octagonal bezel around an integrated-bracelet sports watch case. And please note modern watch designers who want to add a date window: please make it as legible and well sized as this watch ! So the great points to mention first:
- slim, lightweight, accurate and darkened blue dial.
- signed crown and signed original bracelet with lovely perlage on the underside of the clasp.
- wonderfully legible date window
- dated papers from 1980
- an early 2nd issue of GP's iconic model.
And what you should know:
- there is some dial wear to the laminate on the dial edge between the 7 and 8 indexes. And also around the 2pm index. It's not damage per se rather wear over the years. Hard to tell how or why that has happened.
- scratches on bezel, case & bracelet; typical of a stainless steel watch of near 50 years old.
Vintage Watch Pointers
Owning a vintage watch can be incredibly rewarding - you are wearing a miraculous, tiny mechanical engine with a design, calibre, and materials from decades ago - all of which tell a story. But vintage watches are not highly accurate and shiny new like modern quartz or mechanical watches.
+/- 60 seconds a day really isn’t bad for a vintage watch. Please be aware of this before buying a watch. If you want a highly accurate timekeeper or one with a modern power reserve, it might be best to buy a new watch.
Most vintage watches have had previous services and repairs - and it’s nearly impossible to find out exactly what was done, when and by whom. However, if it’s possible to find out what parts have been replaced or repaired I will let that be known in the description.
Old watches are not waterproof either despite what it may say on the case back: please don’t take them swimming or in fact anywhere near water.
Serviced or not ?
If a watch has been serviced I will make that clear in the description. If not, then all watches are inspected and checked within my limited knowledge and will have been cosmetically cleaned and tested over a period of time for basic accuracy and reliability. I will always point out if the the watch has any scratches, dents or other issues. Some watches come with their original strap or bracelet, but most have been replaced.
Watches which have been serviced are sold with warranty (see watch description for length of warranty), which only covers mechanical defect. Watches without a service naturally only have a short warranty.
If you are a collector or enthusiast you will probably want a vintage watch which has not been over-polished or redialled and you may even prefer to get the watch serviced by your own local watch repairer.
I will always be honest and clear in the description of each watch to the best of my abilities. Any mistakes or errors are mine and would be 100% unintentional. The photos and videos are there to give you as much visual information as possible and are part of the description of the watch.
Although we have made every effort to display the information and colours accurately, the colours on your screen can be different than the original product.
At present, descriptions and images take the place of physically seeing the watches as all transactions are done online and through the website.
Returns policy
We really hope that you will be pleased with your purchase, but if not, you can return a watch bought online for any reason you want as long as you return it within 14 days of receiving the watch and as long as the goods remain in unused condition.
Click this link to see the EU
'Exercise your Right of Withdrawal'
If you wish to claim that any Goods have been delivered damaged, you must notify us of the damage and return the Goods, including all original paperwork, boxes, links, user manuals, service papers, and any other included items including the receipt or proof of purchase, within 14 days of delivery.
If, upon inspection, the Goods are found to be faulty and you meet the return requirements mentioned above, we will either attempt to repair them or issue a full refund.
In the event of a return, we recommend using a trackable service and retaining proof of postage. Any watches returned to us must be securely packaged and insured during transit. Please note that you are responsible for the cost of return postage, packaging, and insurance.
When we have received the returned item, it will be inspected before a refund is given. Please note that we reserve the right to deduct costs from the refund amount for any item returned to us which we believe to have been altered, damaged, or tampered with in any way.
We will then process a refund which will take no longer than 10 business days after we receive the returned item.
The refund is issued to the original payment method used to pay for the item. Note, it may take a further seven days for the refund to appear back on your card.
As the UK is no longer in the EU, you will have to fill in a Customs Declaration form if you return the item. Please write in the description field "wristwatch, return for factory repair / refund , no commercial value" and list the item value as £10. This is essential otherwise an import duty will be levied which you will be liable for (there is no way for us to reclaim this charge).
Warranty Policy
We can only offer a warranty on a watch that has been serviced. The warranty period applicable to your purchase will be clearly stated in the product listing. This warranty period begins from the date of purchase as shown on your receipt.
Our warranty covers the mechanical movement of the watch only, unless explicitly stated otherwise. This warranty does not cover wear and tear, accidental damage, or water damage, cosmetic deterioration, or damage caused by improper use and any issues relating to original straps.
If your watch develops a fault within the warranty period, and the fault falls within the terms of this warranty, we will inspect and, where appropriate, repair the item free of charge within a reasonable time. Please note that watch repairers can take up to 8 weeks or more depending on the nature of the repair.
The customer is responsible for the cost of return postage, insurance, and secure packaging of the watch.
The warranty will be void if the watch has been opened, serviced, or repaired by any party not authorised by us.
Shipping
Free UK mainland delivery is available on all our items. These items will usually be shipped via Royal Mail Special Delivery, fully tracked and insured. We aim to deliver orders in the UK within 3-5 working days.
Free Worldwide Shipping on all items via DHL Express or FedEx. We aim to deliver international orders within 10-15 working days.
Please note that the buyer is solely responsible for any customs duties or charges which may be payable. This is completely out of our control and separate from us. Please investigate this prior to buying. Without exception we will also put the full value of the item on the customs form.
At present we are not shipping to the USA or Canada.
We also do not ship to the following countries: Russia, Belarus, Iran and to any country in South America including Mexico.
It is also not possible to ship solid gold watches to India, due to complex import restrictions.