Everyday elegance

SINGAPORE (July 30): After staging its comeback to the Girard-Perregaux collections in 2016, the iconic Laureato continues to expand its horizons this year with an enriched range of chronographs entirely clad in steel or pink gold. The exceptionally versatile collection was unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2018, and is set to make an appearance at the upcoming pop-up exhibition of Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato Chronograph collection at Ngee Ann City from Aug 1 to 13.

Like all Laureato models, the 2018 range of chronographs is imbued with a powerful identity, its personality based on the genetic code that has driven evolutions of the design’s aesthetic details over the past 43 years. Available with a 42mm or 38mm case and interpreted in three dial colours — silver, black or dark blue — with the “Clou de Paris” hobnail motif, the new Laureato is sturdy and sporty yet chic, making it apt for grand occasions as well as for daily wear.

Laureato 42mm Chronograph with steel case, steel bracelet and blue dial.

Both case sizes come in a choice of complementary materials in either satin-brushed 904L steel, endowed with superior corrosion resistance and a polished radiance, or precious 18K pink gold. The former version is water resistant up to 100m and the latter, 50m.

Laureato 38mm Chronograph with steel case, steel bracelet and silver dial.

A polished octagonal bezel is fitted on an integrated case without lugs nor loops, such that its triple-folding metal bracelet — distinguished by wide satin-brushed H-shaped links and available in either steel or pink gold — forms a natural extension of the case. The interplay of polished and matte surfaces results in a soft, supple feel that enlivens the Laureato’s aesthetics while making it comfortable on any wrist. Wearers may also opt for a leather strap with an additional rubber strap, just some of the elements that make for a variety of chronograph versions that centre on principles of ergonomics, volume and style.

Laureato 42mm Chronograph with steel case, leather strap and black dial.

By adjusting to the demanding layout of various subdials and pushers characterising the Laureato Chronograph, its case has evolved to incorporate a crown guard, a curve naturally imposed by the octagon-shaped pushers themselves. Standing out clearly against the background are the two counters and small seconds subdial accentuated with a snailed finish. These bear simple, slender hands to facilitate reading without creating clutter.

Laureato 38mm Chronograph with steel case, leather strap and blue dial.

Driving two counter and small seconds as well as a date display is the self-winding chronograph movement calibre, distinguished by its comfortable minimum power reserve of 46 hours, and the smooth activation of the watch’s octagonal screw-down pushers. Finally, thanks to the multiple skills cultivated in the Manufacture Girard-Perregaux, exemplary finishing including Côtes de Genève, chamfering and straight-graining further complement the watch’s horological qualities.