At the vanguard of composite materials technology
La Chaux-de-Fonds, August 29, 2023 (9 AM CET) – Since introducing the cutting-edge Laureato Absolute collection in 2019, Girard-Perregaux has been on a continuous journey of innovation in materials. The latest addition to the Laureato Absolute collection, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech, harnesses the brand’s accumulated expertise. This timepiece utilizes a revolutionary technique called 8Tech to craft its case from octagonal carbon parts, resulting in a unique structural pattern. Once again, the Laureato Absolute exemplifies Girard-Perregaux’s mastery of avant-garde materials.
A History of Innovation
When the original Laureato was unveiled in 1975, it ingeniously captured the spirit of the 70s watchmaking era. With the rise of quartz movements, there were questions about the relevance of mechanical watches, given the remarkable precision offered by battery-powered timepieces. Moreover, integrated bracelet sports watches were gaining popularity, effortlessly transitioning from casual to formal settings.
Girard-Perregaux, renowned for its inventive spirit, played a leading role in the quartz technology revolution. The brand established the 32,768 Hz frequency, which subsequently became the universal standard for quartz watches. Over time, mechanical watches experienced a renaissance and are now highly sought after by dedicated watch enthusiasts. The Laureato was the first watch with an integrated bracelet to feature an in-house design and movement right from its inception.
Harmonious Contrasts in Design
The Laureato’s design skillfully combines elements of different shapes. From the start, the model was conceived entirely in-house. It boasts an octagonal bezel atop a circular base, resting on an angular tonneau-shaped case. Despite these diverse shapes, they cohesively merge to create a harmonious whole.
The Laureato Absolute – Exploring High-Performance Materials
In 2019, Girard-Perregaux introduced a contemporary interpretation of the 1975 classic, the Laureato Absolute. Sharing the genetic codes of the Laureato, the Laureato Absolute collection embraces avant-garde design, imparting each model with a distinctly sporty appearance.
Since the inception of the Laureato Absolute, Girard-Perregaux has consistently pushed the boundaries with innovative materials, including metallized sapphire crystal, carbon glass, and rubber alloy. Now, the brand continues this philosophy with the Laureato Absolute 8Tech, a timepiece housed in a carbon/titanium composite crafted using an innovative and proprietary process.
Lucky Number Eight
Thanks to its high-tech construction, the 44mm Laureato Absolute 8Tech delivers impressive wrist presence while remaining exceptionally lightweight. Its featherlight construction ensures excellent wearer comfort, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The case material comprises unidirectional, non-braided, and pre-impregnated carbon fibers, combined with lightweight titanium powder, resulting in extraordinarily thin layers, measuring just 0.05mm thick. These layers are superimposed with varying orientations to create ‘stacks,’ which are then cut into octagonal shapes, an industry-first achievement.
These octagonal elements are placed within a mold and subjected to heat and extreme pressure. Subsequently, case components, including the bezel, are machined from this material and hand-finished. This distinctive technique imparts a shimmering quality to the case.
While Girard-Perregaux could have opted for circular shapes, the octagonal form holds special significance for the Maison, as it has become a signature shape since the original Laureato’s debut in 1975. Additionally, the octagonal shape, featuring eight sides, symbolizes luck for countless people.
Five times lighter than steel but with comparable strength and rigidity, this high-tech case material presents a compelling case for selection. Interestingly, it exhibits a wavy appearance, reminiscent of Damascus steel.
A Revealing Dial
The dial employs a sandwich-type construction method. The upper surface is sandblasted and presented in a gradient gray finish, complementing the tones of the case and bezel. The lower layer consists of Grade 5 titanium, partially exposed through apertures on the upper surface. These arrow-tipped apertures serve as indexes, while adjacent rectangular markings incorporate luminescent treatment, providing white luminescence in low-light conditions.
The dial features three sandblasted sub-dials and a date display located between 4 and 5 o’clock. Baton-style hour and minute hands in gray titanium hue are filled with luminescent material for enhanced visibility (white luminescence). The central chronograph seconds hand, working in conjunction with the clear minute track, ensures legible elapsed seconds. The dial’s composition plays with textures, colors, and depths, ensuring exceptional readability and a modern, handsome appearance.
Ultra-Modern Craftsmanship with Traditional Roots
The Laureato Absolute 8Tech is equipped with a Manufacture movement, the self-winding Caliber GP03300-1058. A smoked sapphire crystal on the case back, in line with the monochromatic theme of the case and bezel, showcases the movement. Comprising 419 components, this movement features impeccable finishing, including Côtes de Genève, chamfering, and straight graining, preserving the traditional craftsmanship that Girard-Perregaux has practiced since 1791.
The Perfect Wrist Fit
The Laureato 8Tech is presented on a black rubber strap with a fabric-effect appearance and gray stitching. Staying true to Laureato tradition, the strap seamlessly integrates with the case, ensuring exceptional wearer comfort. The strap is paired with a folding titanium buckle featuring black PVD treatment and a micro-adjustment system, allowing wearers to fine-tune the strap’s sizing for the perfect fit.
This model will be available worldwide at all authorized Girard-Perregaux retailers starting from October 2023.