HANDS-ON: Two-tone with a twist — the Girard-Perregaux Laureato in titanium and pink gold

Felix Scholz

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 Clou 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