… it’s already out 😄
Some folks may have been wondering what would a 40 mm Laureato Chronograph look like. Or perhaps a 36 mm might seem too small for their macho wrists. ☺️
Well, wonder no more. 🤩 I have a 18 cm wrist … in case you are wondering.
I’m wearing the 40 mm Laureato Olimpico ref 8017 LE and the 36 mm laureato 3 hander. All are from the mid to late 1990s and are considered NEO-vintage (not vintage). All had extremely low production numbers and IMHO will become rare collectors items in the future. The type you pass to your kids one day and their kids after.
As a collector for many years, I’m primarily a fan of 3 brands. AP, Minerva and GP.
I particularly find GP NEO-vintage to be of tremendous attraction because of the looks, sizes, history and relative “good prices” compared to current production models. GP was also famed for its design symmetry and wearability of their watches.
Neo-vintage also is a particularly interesting period of transition for many brands. The Swiss watch industry had recovered from the quartz crisis and came out bold and brave with designs coupled with modern manufacturing materials (but without the mass making) and methods. For example, all these pieces have sapphire crystals and are fully service supported by GP.
As there is a void of documentation of GP heritage/iconic pieces (which I hope to change), with the right amount of research and advice (I have some seasoned “serious” collectors as fellow grail hunters/advisors), one can find some crazy pieces at crazy good prices.
The models from the past help me appreciate the current production models from GP. I find them all so beautiful.
This category of neo-vintage is still due for a surge of interest from collectors.
So I share what I know and what I have, in the hope to build a community of folks that collect for the appreciation of the art and heritage behind the watches we wear.
As always, please ask questions in the comments. I often find that questions help me think and research about certain things I’m yet to explore.
Thanks for reading …. Pleasant day ahead ☀️