Memorable wrist moments in Monterey with the Laureatos.
There’s nothing quite like Monterey Car Week and the seven-day stretch where you’re sprinting from Laguna Seca to The Quail, from auctions to late-night parties, all while trying to soak in as much car culture as humanly possible. This year, though, my trip included a couple of extra travel companions as I wore two watches sent over by Girard-Perregaux. The pair of Laureatos felt just as at home among multimillion-dollar supercars and hypercars as they did cruising down Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive. Between the lightweight and motorsport-inspired Laureato Chronograph Ti49 and the vibrant, head-turning green dial Laureato 42mm, I constantly checked the time, not because I was running late, but because I genuinely wanted to admire what was on my wrist.
Let’s start with the Laureato Chronograph Ti49, which became my go-to piece for the motorsport-focused events of the week. Monterey Car Week always means time at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and it felt fitting to wear a chronograph in that environment, given the deep ties between racing and watchmaking. What surprised me most was how light it felt—Grade 5 titanium really does live up to its reputation. It’s tough, corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic, but for me, the wrist comfort was unmatched. More than once, I handed it to someone curious, and the look on their face when they realized just how featherlight it was said it all. The grey dial with its Clous de Paris pattern was subtle enough to pair with everything, and sharp enough to catch the eye of fellow collectors. Whether I was standing in the pits at Laguna Seca or dressed up for dinner with Rolls-Royce, it just fit the vibe of the occasion.
The Laureato 42mm Green, on the other hand, was a watch that demanded to be noticed, and Monterey gave me plenty of opportunities to test that. The green dial was just striking in the California sun as it was under the lights at Sportscar Vacationland. At Motorlux, at auctions, even while walking around Exotics on Broadway, it was the piece that sparked conversations with both die-hard watch enthusiasts and people who just appreciate good style. For me, it represented the best of the Laureato’s DNA, clean, versatile, and timeless, but with a twist that made it stand out. If the Chronograph Ti49 was a natural fit for the racetrack and concours lawn, the green dial Laureato was made for the social side of Car Week: parties, dinners, and those moments when you wanted something bold but classy.
What I loved most was how each watch matched the rhythm of the week. One moment I was watching Czinger unveil their latest hypercar with the green dial glowing under the lights, the next I was timing laps at Laguna Seca with the chronograph. On the 17-Mile Drive behind the wheel of the Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge, both felt perfectly suited, depending on the mood. And at Pebble Beach Concours, where every detail matters, the finishing of these watches really resonated. Each felt like part of the culture, tying together heritage, design, and performance the same way Monterey Car Week ties together decades of automotive history with the latest creations.
Looking back, these two Girard-Perregaux Laureatos really became part of the story. The Chronograph Ti49 gave me that motorsport connection, lightweight comfort, and quiet confidence. The Laureato 42mm Green brought the flash, the fun, and a little extra personality to every event. Together, they summed up exactly what makes Car Week so special. As much as I’ll remember the cars, the parties, and the atmosphere, I’ll also remember constantly peeking at my wrist, knowing I had the perfect watches for the occasion.
Photos Courtesy of Edward Jones
