Girard-Perregaux is a brand that has quietly built its presence up through intricate, intentional timepieces that boast a quiet confidence coupled with architectural integrity. The Laureato, which launched in 1975, arrived just three years after the Royal Oak and one year before the Nautilus.
Now, with this new steel-and-gold Laureato Chronograph 42mm, Girard-Perregaux enters rarefied territory: they have taken us on a journey to the past and somehow found a way to make it all current. My coverage of timepieces like this one was once curated at The Manual. Now, my watch reporting is exclusively at The Red Eye Media Group, and I am bringing the same discerning eye to every new release that piques my interest.
The Two-Tone Treatment: The Beautiful, Bold Design
The original 1975 Laureato featured a steel case, a polished yellow gold bezel, and a thin gold line running down the center of the bracelet. By all accounts, it was subtle and sleek – something the 2026 edition is not.
The latest pairs a horizontal brushed steel case with polished rose gold pushers, a screw-down crown, and the instantly recognizable octagonal bezel. The contrast is striking. The bezel, circular-brushed in rose gold, sits atop a polished round gold base, catching light from every angle. The case measures 42mm across with a height of just 12.16mm. With a water resistance of up to 100 meters, this is a solid marker for a chronograph of this caliber. Girard-Perregaux has also decided to incorporate 904L steel, which contains a higher level of chromium than the more commonly used 316L. This means better corrosion resistance and a slightly warmer tone when contrasted against rose gold. This is the type of timepiece that speaks to collectors.
The Chocolate Brown Dial: Delectable, Demure, and Distinct
Call it chocolate. Call it whatever shade of brown you want. The bottom line is that this limited edition is stunning. The brown is rich, warm, and surprisingly versatile. It shifts in the light from deep espresso to almost bronze. The hobnail (Clou de Paris) pattern adds texture without overwhelming the eye. Three sub-dials with wide concentric rings sit comfortably within the layout, and the date window at 4:30 is discreetly color-matched to the dial — a small detail that signals serious attention to detail that makes it truly stand out.
Rose gold-plated baton indices and hour/minute hands are accented with white luminescent material. The central chronograph hand and the sub-dial hands are gold-plated, not rose, which provides a subtle tonal separation that resonates.
Girard-Perregaux broke the mold in an understated way that strikes a chord.
The Movement Built to Last A Lifetime
Inside the Laureato Chronograph beats the GP 03300 calibre, a modular chronograph movement running since 1994, and measuring just 6.5mm thick, able to be worn comfortably despite its 42mm diameter. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts 46 hours of power reserve — enough for a full day of meetings, a flight, and dinner without missing a beat.
Through the sapphire caseback, you can see circular graining, Côtes de Genève, snailing, and polished bevels. It is a finish that is honest, clean, and ideal for a sports chronograph at this price point.
The Rubber Strap Offers a Modern Touch
Matching the hobnail dial, the brown rubber strap features the same texture running down its center. It attaches to the wrist with a steel triple-folding clasp.
Rubber anchors the two-tone case and the chocolate dial, and you can wear this watch with a suit, but you can also wear it with a sweatshirt. That versatility is exactly what gives a modern sports watch added value.
The Final Word: A Limited Edition Worth Investing In
This limited edition of 50 pieces is not an entry-level watch. But for the collector who has been watching Girard-Perregaux mature over the past decade, the Laureato Chronograph in steel and rose gold represents revolution without erasure.
For men looking to add depth and distinction to their collections, this is an excellent choice. I will continue tracking the releases that actually matter.
This is one of them.
Triston Brewer is a regular contributor to The Manual and Caribbean POSH, where he covers the intersection of luxury, travel, culture, and style. With a talent for finding the best in luxury goods around the world — from independent watchmakers to emerging fashion houses — he brings a global perspective shaped by decades on the ground at Fashion Weeks and trade shows across four continents.
