Girard-Perragaux Has Discreetly Released a Stunning Ice Blue Laureato Chronograph

As we explained in this article about the upcoming anniversaries that the watch industry will celebrate this year, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato, one of the first watches in the luxury sports watch category, was launched in 1975 and will celebrate 50 years of existence. Since its return in 2016-17, the Laureato has become a complete collection with multiple iterations, styles, materials and complications. And we can certainly expect some cool things this anniversary year. But for now, what we can tell you is that the brand has discreetly launched a new edition of the Laureato Chronograph with an Ice Blue dial, and it looks quite stunning. 

Until now, our favourite edition of the Laureato Chronograph was, without a doubt, the titanium edition – of course, with its grey monochromatic colour scheme, it had to be a MONOCHROME favourite. But today, we have a new contender that might change the equation: a new ice blue version – yes, a trendy colour, but one that works well – that’s been quietly released by the brand in a short production run and said to be reserved for the brand’s official boutiques.

What we’re looking at is the classic stainless steel chronograph version of the Laureato, a rather sporty and bold model measuring 42mm in diameter and a reasonable 12mm in thickness. Made of 904L steel, it retains all the classic design codes of the 1975 Laureato but adds a touch of sportiness with its screwed pushers. The barrel-shaped middle case is topped by a complex bezel mixing circular and octagonal shapes, and guards protect the screw-down crown to ensure the 100m water-resistance.

What really matters in this edition of the Laureato Chronograph is the dial, which now has a cooler-than-ice light blue tone with matching sub-counters. The traditional stamped Clou de Paris pattern has been kept, and the applied markers and hands, all filled with Super-LumiNova, are rhodium-plated polished metal. It’s nice to see how the date disc matches the colour of the dial.

Inside the case, hidden by a solid steel back, is the manufacture calibre GP03300, an automatic chronograph movement with a modular construction and 419 meticulously finished components. This movement runs at 4Hz and stores 46 hours of power reserve. It would have been nice to see its elegant decoration, as in the Aston Martin edition. One note: I’d love GP to finally produce an integrated movement instead of this modular calibre. Maybe it is something we’ll see for the 50th anniversary.

Worn on an integrated bracelet with H-shaped links and brushed and polished surfaces, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ice Blue is limited to 180 pieces. It will be priced at EUR 20,100 (incl. taxes) or USD 19,100 (excl. taxes). For more details, please visit www.girard-perregaux.com.