The new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49 in Titanium (incl. Video)

While we all very well know who created the luxury sports watch segment, and what was the first sporty-chic watch with integrated bracelet, it must be said that other iconic models came on the market soon after. Following the 1972 Royal Oak, 1976 saw the introduction of the Nautilus and 1977 the launch of the VC 222. But let’s not forget that, right in between came Girard-Perregaux with its Laureato, born in 1975. This year, the brand has decided to do things differently to celebrate the 49th anniversary of its creation, with the launch of the Laureato Chronograph Ti49, a lightweight and monochromatic take in titanium. 

Over the years, the Laureato has come and gone in many different shapes, sizes, materials and complications. From its launch in 1975 with a quartz movement to the first evolution in 1984 bringing mechanical calibres and complications, followed by strong evolutions in 1995 and 2004, with Laureato EVO 3, the saga has quite a lot to say. In 2016, first with a limited edition duo, and in 2017 with the launch of the permanent collection, the Laureato has been revived by Girard-Perregaux in a style that is faithful to the original, but also with multiple variants. Colours, materials, complications… We’ve seen them all. Have we, really? Not entirely, as it’s now time for a titanium version.

New for 2024 is the Laureato Chronograph in grade 5 Titanium. Called Ti49, both a reference to the material and the fact the Laureato is now 49 years old, this new edition brings all the goodness of the classic steel chronograph version and adds robustness and lightness but also visual coolness. As you’d expect, it comes with the signature shape of the collection, with a diameter of 42mm and a 12mm thickness. One of the standout design elements of the Laureato has always been the octagonal bezel on top of a circular plinth, creating a stepped profile, and it’s present here.

Made of grade 5 titanium – 90% titanium, 6% aluminium, 4% vanadium – and to further enhance the design of the Laureato, the case combines satin-finished surfaces and polished accents. The octagonal shape of the bezel is repeated on the screw-down crown and screwed pushers, adding once again a sense of detail. Given titanium’s lightness, corrosion resistance and non-allergenic properties, the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 is an absolute joy on the wrist, despite being a relatively sizeable watch.

Girard-Perregaux has given the new Laureato Ti49 a slightly reworked dial as well, finished in a monochromatic slate grey tone and decorated with a Clous de Paris stamped pattern. Sure, this can be found in many luxury sports watches, but it simply never disappoints and it’s been one of the hallmarks of this collection since its introduction in 1975. The subdials for the small seconds and the chronograph have distinctly modern circular snailing and white printing. Tying in everything is a slightly raised minute track with applied and polished inserts, along with polished hands finished with white luminescent inserts. The GP logo is proudly placed at noon, balancing out the dial. All of the dial’s hardware (hands, markers, logo) is grey PVD coated, enhancing this monochromatic look. Even the date has a tone-on-tone disc.

Inside this light and robust case, the manufacture calibre GP03300-0141 keeps things on time. This automatic chronograph movement has a modular construction and is built up out of 419 meticulously finished components. It beats at a rate of 4Hz, which translates to 28,800 vibrations per hour. It’s a bit of a sad realization though that this movement has been covered by a solid caseback. It would have been amazing to see it diligently working, as we have seen in some previous editions of the Laureato Chronograph, such as the Aston Martin edition. Then again, it’s nitpicking really. With a 46-hour power reserve, it should be fine to take it off and put it down for a day or more.

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49 is worn on a satin-finished and polished integrated bracelet, closed by a triple-folding clasp. While it would be even better with a micro-adjustment system, it remains nevertheless an absolute breeze to wear.

Released as of now and part of the permanent collection (not limited), the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 retails for EUR 20,500, CHF 18,600 or USD 19,400. And while it isn’t the most accessible Laureato model, it could well become one of the top sellers in the collection.

Personally, I have always appreciated the Laureato, as I feel it’s one of the true icons in watchmaking, especially from a design perspective. It has outlasted plenty of competitors, despite the fact it was at one point discontinued from the collection. Following its comeback to GP’s portfolio in 2017, it has made a grand return. It looks better than ever, comes in plenty of different styles, and it’s solidly built from top to bottom. And what’s not to love about that? Specifically with this new titanium Laureato.

For more details, please visit www.girard-perregaux.com.