LAUREATO CHRONOGRAPH TI49

Girard-Perregaux is pleased to unveil a new expression of the company’s iconic timepiece that burst onto the watch scene back in 1975. The Laureato Chronograph Ti49 unites the model’s intricately-shaped case design with ultra-desirable Grade 5 titanium. This is the first time this strong alloy has featured on a classic Laureato reference. Beyond its strength, this alloy is light, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic.

Two remarkable men driven by an innate need to discover, invent and learn. 
Orphaned at a young age, Jean-François Bautte (1772-1837) had to grow up quickly. He embarked on an apprenticeship at a young age, amassing an incredible understanding of watchmaking as well as several associated trades such as case assembly, guilloché and goldsmithery. In 1791, just 19 years of age, Bautte signed his first watches in the cradle of Swiss watchmaking, Geneva. This event sowed the seeds for what would later become known as Girard-Perregaux, the esteemed Maison based in La Chaux-de-Fonds. In the same year Bautte signed his inaugural watch, an English clergyman discovered titanium in Cornwall, England. William Gregor (1761-1817) was fascinated with minerals and spent time studying sand deposits in the Manaccan Valley. He was able to isolate calx, formed from heating a mineral. This process left behind an unknown metal. Gregor named the residual metal ‘manaccanite’, a material that later became. Known as ‘titanium’, a name inspired by the great titans of Greek mythology. The Manaccan Valley is approximately 1400 km from Geneva, yet both Bautte and Gregor were driven by the same innate need to discover, invent and learn.

Girard-Perregaux has fitted this emblematic case with its self-winding chronograph movement, driving two counters and a small seconds along with a date display. As well as guaranteeing impeccably accurate timekeeping, it is distinguished by its comfortable power reserve and the particularly smooth activation of its pushers. Its horological qualities are complemented by exemplary finishing including “Côtes de Genève”, chamfering and straight graining, all stemming from the multiple skills cultivated within the Manufacture.