Honestly, calling a Girard-Perregaux a “dupe” feels kinda… mean. Especially the Laureato. I mean, yeah, they both got that integrated bracelet thing going on, that sporty-chic vibe. But GP’s been doing their thing since freakin’ 1791! It’s not like they just hopped on the Royal Oak bandwagon. The Laureato even predates the Royal Oak by what, a few years? I saw somethin’ that said they unveiled it in ’75. So who’s duping who, eh? Just food for thought.
Now, personally, I’ve only messed around with some older GPs. And let me tell ya, they’re solid. Like, proper solid. Not exactly Patek or AP level in terms of finishing maybe, but you definitely get your money’s worth. I mean, you could find a vintage one for significantly less than a Royal Oak, and you’d still be rockin’ a watch with a real history and some serious horological chops. Plus, nobody’s gonna accuse you of just being a hypebeast following the crowd!
The integrated case is really what gives these watches that Royal Oak/Nautilus look, tbh. That’s the key. And GP nailed it. It’s all about that seamless flow from the case to the bracelet, creating this sleek, almost architectural look. It’s just… *chef’s kiss*.
But here’s the thing, and I gotta be real with you: a GP ain’t a Royal Oak. It just isn’t. The Royal Oak is an icon, a status symbol, a freakin’ legend. You’re paying for the name, the history, the prestige. A GP is… a really, really good watch that flies a little more under the radar. Which, frankly, I kinda dig. I’m not about flauntin’ my stuff, you know? I’d rather have something that’s subtly awesome and tells a story without screaming “LOOK AT ME!”.
