Industrial aesthetics – the Girard-Perregaux Laureato in titanium and pink gold

Time+Tide

Editor’s note: In the last few years, two-tone watches have moved from fringe to mainstream trend status. And while it’s clear that yellow gold has been largely replaced with pink, the other material de rigueur is typically steel. Which is why we’re still so into the Girard-Perregaux Laureato in titanium and pink gold – the perfect meeting of opulence and function. 

One of the most impressive collections we saw at SIHH 2017 was that of Girard-Perregaux, dominated by the sporty, ’70s-inspired Laureato collection. And while most of the Laureatos walked a pretty established product path — a top-end tourbillon, 42 and 38mm models in a few dials and case materials, as well as smaller, diamond-decked women’s models — one model stood out, both in terms of style and construction.

I’m talking, of course, about the watch in the above picture, a 42mm two-tone Laureato in a bi-metallic case. And while two-tone is hardly unusual (especially this year, when it’s launched into legit ‘trend’ status), you don’t see too many watches in a mix of precious pink gold and technical titanium. Which, looking at this piece, is a little bit of a surprise, because, boy, does the combo work.

Both metals have been given the brushed treatment, resulting in a slightly more muted, matt look that especially suits the grey titanium. There’s a version with fully integrated two-tone bracelet … that is, as they say, a strong look, but there’s also this croc-equipped option, which is nice and dressy.

Of course this Laureato isn’t just a pretty case. It’s also got a dial to die for, a slate grey Clous de Paris number with matchy-matchy hands and hour markers, which is always fun to look at, and is guaranteed to look good on Instagram. I do feel we could have done without the ‘GP’ at 12, but its inclusion is far from offensive. Bonus marks for the colour-matched date wheel.

The case is rated to 50m, the bare minimum for a sports-oriented watch (though, to be fair, the steel versions are rated to 100m). The view from the sapphire caseback shows off the solid in-house calibre (GP01800-0012 for you movement nerds playing at home), nicely finished and with a respectable 54 hours plus of power reserve.

So, if you’re in the mood for two-tone with a twist, or a luxury sports watch that plays a different game, this titanium and gold Laureato could be calling your name.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato in titanium and pink gold Australian pricing

Girard-Perregaux Laureato, 42mm in titanium and pink gold on leather, $22,100