We know the Swiss love an anniversary, but surely a 49th birthday is jumping the gun by a year.
Whatever. Girard-Perregaux is celebrating almost half a century since the Laureato burst onto the scene in 1975 with the launch of a Laureato Chronograph Ti49 — Ti for titanium and 49 for the odd anniversary.
Titanium is certainly the metal of the moment, and is expected to be seen across new launches at Geneva Watch Week.
GP is particularly keen on the light and tough material because it was discovered as an element in 1791, the birth year of the brand.
For the Ti49, GP is using Grade 5 titanium, which is a little easier to work to a finish and create the contrasting brushed and polished finishes across its case and bracelet.
The Laureato Chronograph Ti49 comes in a 42mm case with an integrated bracelet with contrasting links in polished and brushed finishes.
It runs on Girard-Perregaux’s manufacture GP03300 automatic movement with 46 hour power reserve, which is protected by a closed case back.
Its titanium exterior complements the gren of its Clous de Paris patterned dial, which has three snailed counters: a 30-minute chronograph register, a 12-hour chronograph register and a small seconds display.
The new Laureato Chronograph Ti49 is priced at £16,500.
