Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49

In the ever-evolving world of haute horology, where heritage and innovation constantly duel for prominence, few watchmakers manage to strike a perfect balance between the two quite like Girard-Perregaux. Founded in 1791 by Jean-François Bautte, a watchmaker orphaned at a young age who possessed an uncanny aptitude for timekeeping mechanisms, Girard-Perregaux has endured for over two centuries, consistently pushing the boundaries of watchmaking while holding fast to the meticulous craftsmanship established by its founder.



One of the most recognizable icons to emerge from Girard-Perregaux’s storied past is the Laureato collection. Introduced in 1975, the Laureato’s arrival coincided with a burgeoning era of casual luxury in watchmaking. Stainless steel, a material previously considered too industrial for high-end timepieces, was becoming increasingly popular thanks to its durability and sophisticated luster. The Laureato, with its integrated bracelet and distinctive octagonal case, embraced this shift in taste, quickly becoming a symbol of understated yet powerful luxury on the wrist.

Nearly half a century later, the Laureato continues to be a cornerstone of the Girard-Perregaux portfolio, and the brand shows no signs of resting on its laurels (pun intended). The latest iteration of this iconic collection is the Laureato Chronograph Ti49, a striking new timepiece that seamlessly blends the Laureato’s distinguished heritage with cutting-edge materials and technology.

A cursory glance at the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 reveals a watch that is as visually arresting as it is technically sophisticated. The most noticeable departure from previous Laureato iterations is the use of grade 5 titanium for the case. A bold choice that immediately distinguishes the Chronograph Ti49 from its predecessors, titanium offers a unique combination of benefits that watch aficionados are sure to appreciate.



For watchmakers, the ideal case material strikes a careful balance between aesthetics, durability, and weight. Traditionally, precious metals like gold and platinum have offered the desired combination of beauty and strength. However, these materials come at the cost of significant heft, which can make wearing a timepiece uncomfortable for extended periods. Stainless steel addressed the weight issue, but it lacked the luster and exclusivity of precious metals.

Grade 5 titanium solves this equation rather elegantly. Considered one of the strongest and most corrosion-resistant metals available, grade 5 titanium can withstand a significant amount of punishment without showing signs of wear. At the same time, it is remarkably lightweight, meaning the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 sits comfortably on the wrist despite its 42mm diameter. This combination of lightness and strength makes grade 5 titanium a perfect choice for an active lifestyle, ensuring the watch can transition effortlessly from the boardroom to the backcountry.

The allure of the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 extends far beyond its titanium physique. Its dial, a study in subtle contrasts and textures, captivates the eye while ensuring superb readability. Girard-Perregaux has opted for a cool grey finish with a "Clous de Paris" guilloché pattern. This iconic pattern, reminiscent of tiny pyramids, adds a layer of visual depth to the dial that catches the light exquisitely, shifting and shimmering depending on the angle of view.



Against this backdrop, subtly recessed subdials at 6 and 9 o'clock provide the chronograph's minutes and hours totalizers, respectively. Their concentric circular texturing contrasts with the dial's main pattern, adding just a hint of sporty complexity to the look. These chronograph subdials are neatly balanced by a running seconds counter at 3 o'clock. The use of applied, luminous hour markers and hands ensures excellent legibility in all lighting conditions - a must-have feature for a watch destined for an active lifestyle.

A date window, nestled discreetly at 4:30, completes the dial's configuration. Girard-Perregaux matches the date disc's color to the dial for a cohesive look. Small as this touch may be, it demonstrates the attention to detail that characterizes all of the brand's creations. This attention to detail carries through to the case's finishing. While its overall aesthetic is sporty, polished chamfers on the bezel and case sides add a hint of refined shimmer to the light-but-mighty titanium.

Of course, a well-crafted watch is nothing without a reliable engine, and the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 does not disappoint in this regard. Tucked beneath its solid case back lies the GP03300 manufacture movement, a self-winding chronograph movement known for both its precision and robustness. Boasting a comfortable power reserve of at least 46 hours, this movement ensures you won't need to reach for the winding crown after a couple of days on the shelf.



The GP03300 isn't just about timekeeping functionality – it's about the feel of operating those chronograph pushers. Girard-Perregaux has tuned these components for a smooth and satisfying action, a small detail that speaks to the wearer's experience with the watch. While unseen to the wearer, the movement's finishing reflects the same dedication to craft found elsewhere in the watch. "Côtes de Genève" stripes, polished chamfers, and circular graining on various components demonstrate that even the parts you don't see have been meticulously adorned for those privileged enough to peek behind the curtain.

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Ti49 is not just a new model in a beloved collection; it marks a significant evolution for the Laureato line as a whole. It's more than just the first time a classic Laureato reference has been crafted from titanium. The Laureato Chronograph Ti49 is a watch built for the modern adventurer, someone who appreciates the finer things in life but isn't afraid to get their hands dirty now and then.



With its robust titanium construction, high-performance movement, and understated yet captivating aesthetic, the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 strikes a masterful balance between classic design and cutting-edge execution. It's a true "go anywhere, do anything" timepiece, one that will be a trusty companion for years to come. This new iteration pays respect to the Laureato's origins in the 1970s while firmly positioning it as a watch truly made for the 21st century. And as the Laureato approaches half a century in existence, the introduction of the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 serves as a testament to Girard-Perregaux's commitment to keep this icon fresh and exciting. One might expect a watch line with such a long history to be content to rest on its laurels, but with watches like this, it's clear Girard-Perregaux still has some bold tricks up its sleeve.