Heesen’s 57-metre Project Setteesettanta puts the owner on a deck of their own
2 min
When experienced owners return to the same shipyard, the brief often becomes more exacting. Heesen’s Project Setteesettanta, a 57-metre full-custom aluminium yacht built for returning clients, reflects that progression: greater privacy, cleaner circulation and the freedom to reach shallower anchorages.
The yacht, known by its build number YN 20857, has launched at Heesen’s Oss shipyard in the Netherlands. Exterior design is by Omega Architects, with interiors by Cristiano Gatto Design. Across four decks, the defining decision is to dedicate an entire level to the owners.
That layout changes the social hierarchy on board. Rather than placing an owner’s suite within a shared accommodation deck, it creates a private domain removed from guest circulation. For long periods aboard, particularly with family or charter-style entertaining, that separation can be more valuable than simply increasing cabin dimensions.
Aluminium construction supports the yacht’s relatively light, performance-oriented character. Heesen lists a maximum speed of 18 knots — enough to shorten passages between destinations while preserving the refinement expected of a 57-metre vessel. A draught of about 2.3 metres expands potential cruising grounds and anchoring choices compared with deeper yachts of similar volume.
The shallow draught is not merely a technical statistic. It can materially affect how owners experience a coastline, allowing closer approaches to beaches, islands and bays that would otherwise require a long tender transfer. For a yacht designed around private use, that flexibility makes the platform feel more connected to the water.
Omega Architects’ exterior work gives the vessel a long, low visual line, while Gatto’s interiors remain largely a private matter until fuller photography is released. The most successful custom yachts use design to make complex crew, service and guest movements appear effortless. Project Setteesettanta’s four-deck plan will be judged on precisely that balance.
Its launch begins another intensive phase rather than marking completion. Outfitting, commissioning, trials and final delivery remain, and performance claims should be treated as shipyard targets until verified in operation.
For prospective owners, the project’s relevance lies in its priorities. The industry often celebrates length, but Setteesettanta shows a more mature form of luxury: privacy through planning, cruising access through naval architecture and a highly specific response to how repeat owners actually spend time aboard.
Fact box
– Yacht: Project Setteesettanta, YN 20857
– Builder: Heesen Yachts
– Length: 57 metres
– Construction: Full-custom aluminium
– Exterior: Omega Architects
– Interior: Cristiano Gatto Design
– Decks: Four, including private owner’s deck
– Maximum speed: 18 knots stated
– Draught: Approximately 2.3 metres stated
For Central Element, the start of work at Pearl represents another step in the company’s growing eastern suburbs pipeline.
All three vehicles will form part of a broader charitable initiative benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross and Starlight Children’s Foundation
Unveiled around Geneva Watch Days, the Laureato Fifty Tourbillon combines a compact integrated-bracelet case with Girard-Perregaux’s new GP8410 calibre.
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The return to more restrained case sizes has reached one of high watchmaking’s most theatrical complications.
Girard-Perregaux has unveiled the Laureato Fifty Tourbillon 39mm, extending the anniversary-focused Laureato Fifty family with a new movement and an open tourbillon display that avoids the oversized proportions often associated with complicated sports watches.
The 39mm case is central to the proposition. It preserves the Laureato’s integrated-bracelet architecture and recognisable octagonal bezel while making the complication feel wearable rather than monumental.
At the lower portion of the dial sits the tourbillon cage, turning the regulating organ into the watch’s visual centre. The new Calibre GP8410 has been developed to support that layout and represents the most technically ambitious movement yet used in the Laureato Fifty line.
Two principal treatments have been shown: a blue execution and a warmer version with an 18-carat rose-gold tone. In both, the appeal comes from contrast between the disciplined geometry of the Laureato and the constant motion of the tourbillon.
Girard-Perregaux has deep historical credibility in the complication, particularly through its Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges. The Laureato Fifty Tourbillon translates that expertise into a modern sports-watch language rather than recreating a historical pocket-watch architecture.
For collectors, the decisive details will be production numbers, Australian allocation, movement finishing, power reserve, water resistance and price. Those should be confirmed from the full manufacture release before publication.
What is already clear is the strategic intent. Instead of making the Laureato more aggressive, Girard-Perregaux has added complexity while retaining a measured diameter. That makes the watch feel aligned with the current market—and potentially more enduring than a larger anniversary statement.
Fact box
– Model: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon
– Case: 39mm
– Movement: New GP8410 tourbillon calibre
– Versions: Blue and rose-gold-toned executions
– Launch context: Geneva Watch Days 2026
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