Girard-Perregaux was founded 230 years ago in 1791, which is the same year titanium was discovered by William Gregor. Discovered as a black sand called menachanite, it contained oxides of iron and an unknown metal subsequently identified as titanium. Taking its name from Greek mythology, the name titanium alludes to Titans, the children of Uranus and Gaea. Today, titanium is widely used, not only in watchmaking but also in the fields of aerospace, medicine, and motorsport, because of its anti-corrosive and ultra-light properties. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Ti 230 is an ultra-light monochromatic beauty that makes great use of titanium.
Things to Know About the Watch
Just as its name suggests, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Ti 230 is available in a limited edition of 230 pieces for each available dial —either blue or grey— to celebrate the 230th anniversary of the brand. Cloaked in a 44 mm lightly sandblasted case that encompasses polished facets the case is so nicely finished that it provides a beautiful gleam and subtle contrast against the smoky grey dial with a sandwich dial construction. For this particular watch, Girard- Perregaux has chosen to go with Grade 5 titanium as it is particularly stronger, more corrosion-resistant, and easier to polish unlike other types of titanium.
The combination of curves and lines is juxtaposed with the octagonal bezel and crown, beautifully playing with contrasts. Even though the Laureato Absolute Ti 230 is available with a choice of a blue or grey dial, we personally love the grey dial as the monochromatic look is very appealing to us. The sandwich dial construction is very modern looking and the black date wheel blends in nicely without being too noticeable.
The Laureato Absolute Ti 230 Limited Edition features a totally new type of strap that has been premiered by Girard-Perregaux and which is made of a rubber alloy incorporating titanium in its construction. The charcoal grey rubber strap perfectly matches the color of the dial and it features a fabric effect texture with a light grey contrast stitching.
In addition to the use of titanium on the rubber strap, Girard-Perregaux has selected FKM rubber, which provides greater suppleness and resistance than conventional rubber. The strap is equipped with a titanium folding clasp with a micro-adjustment system that allows the wearer to adjust as necessary and have an optimal wrist fit.
The Movement
Turning the watch over reveals a solid case back that has been exquisitely finished with a highly polished and sand-blasted medallion bearing the Laureato Absolute ‘A’. While the watches are not individually numbered pertaining to the limited edition, the case back does bear an engraving about this 230-piece limited edition. Powering the Laureato Absolute Ti 230 is the automatic in-house movement calibre GP03300-1060 composed of 218 parts and which provides a power reserve of 46 hours when fully wound.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Ti 230 wears true to its size on a 7.5” wrist and extremely comfortably. The watch is offered in a blue or grey dial in a limited edition of 230 pieces for each color. The watch is water-resistant to 300 meters and is an absolute stunner, especially considering the price under $10K USD.
Sticker Price $9,300 USD. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.
