Introducing: The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato is one of the OG integrated-bracelet sports watches from the ’70s — 1975, to be precise. This means the model turns 50 years old next year. I am sure this will be celebrated with new additions to the collection, but we don’t have to wait until then. Girard-Perregaux is introducing a new material into the line right now — titanium. This is the Laureato Chronograph Ti49.
Let’s have a closer look at this new lightweight chronograph from the 233-year-old manufacture.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49
As mentioned above, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato was first introduced in 1975. Technically, though, it wasn’t called the Laureato just yet. The first model was named the Quartz Chronometer. The characteristic octagonal bezel with a circular base atop a tonneau case debuted on that watch. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how that model led to the current Laureato lineup.
The same bezel is still at the heart of today’s design. This time, however, it is made out of Grade 5 titanium, which, according to GP, makes it quite a bit tougher to produce than the earlier steel and gold versions. The octagonal screw-down locks on the chronograph pushers echo the bezel’s shape.
Another style element that has remained from some of the earliest versions is the Clous de Paris pattern on the dial. This time, the dial is executed in a stealthy gray, complementing the tone of the titanium case and bracelet.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49 specifications
The new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49 measures 42mm across, 50.5mm long, and 12mm thick. The exterior consists of 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium, and traces of iron and oxygen. To ordinary people like you and me, that is known as Grade 5 titanium. Additionally, up top, we find a sapphire crystal with AR coating. The case back, unfortunately, is solid titanium.
Hiding behind that case back is the in-house caliber GP03300-0141. This is an automatic chronograph movement consisting of 419 components. It ticks away at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a 46-hour power reserve. On top of the time-telling and chronograph functionality, it also offers a date function, which you find between 4 and 5 o’clock on the dial.
That dial sees its hobnail pattern contrasted with concentrically ridged sub-dials and a raised outer minute track. The applied indices and hands have a gray PVD coating and a filling of white lume that also glows white. This keeps the entire watch monochromatic and very clean and cohesive.
Initial impressions
I think Girard-Perregaux has hit a home run with the new Laureato Chronograph in titanium. A titanium version is a valuable addition to the lineup, offering something distinctly different. Additionally, the fact that GP kept it so subdued and clean is fantastic. As we see daily, the urge to just stack one embellishment on another is omnipresent in the watch world. Girard-Perregaux proves that there is still space for subtlety and minimalism.
Still, plenty is going on to keep you fascinated with the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49. I love the stacking of textures and ton-sur-ton color schemes. So, is there nothing to complain about? Well, the caliber is undoubtedly worthy of a display case back. Additionally, my wrist cannot pull off the Laureato in its 42mm size, but that’s a personal problem.
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49 is now available from GP retailers worldwide for €20,500 / CHF 18,600 / US$19,400. What do you think of the new Laureato in titanium? Let us know in the comments below.
