Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech – A watch born for the night
In August, Girard-Perregaux added a new model to their Absolute collection – It’s a Laureato which has been conceived using an innovative technique, 8Tech. Read through to check it out…..
On those lucky days, when you look up at the sky, you see streaks against the dark backdrop, which is probably because of a shooting star or a meteor shower. Now why don’t you close your eyes and visualize that on your wrist – Well, here you go, the Girard-Perregaux (GP) Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech.
This model was unveiled at the end of August 2023 as part of GP’s Absolute collection and the uniqueness of this timepiece is that the case consists of carbon parts in random structural patterns manufactured using the Maison’s innovative technique known as 8Tech. Uni-directional, non-braided and pre-impregnated carbon fibres are combined with lightweight titanium powder forming extremely thin layers (0.05mm) which are then superimposed over each other (each oriented differently) to form stacks. These are then cut into octagons, moulded with heat and extreme pressure, following which the case components are milled from this material and finally refined by hand. This whole process is what it takes to give the case that stunning look.
The 44mm case consists of a sandwich dial made up of a sandblasted and grey gradient-finished upper dial and a Grade 5 titanium lower dial which is partially seen through the series of apertures on the upper dial. The arrow-tipped openings act as indexes and the rectangular markings above the indexes glow in white luminescence. There are 3 sand-blasted sub-dial counters which consist of two counters for the chronograph and a small second counter as well as a date display which is nestled between the 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions. The contrasting colours of the sub-dials and indexes against the grey gradient backdrop make readability easier.
When you turn the watch around and peek through the smoked sapphire crystal, one will be able to see the in-house self-winding calibre GP0300-1058 that drives the main hands and 3 counters. The movement is composed of 419 parts and features exquisite finishing that is the hallmark of this Maison.
The whole look is completed with a black rubber strap that has a fabric effect and grey stitching that resembles the case colour. The strap is integrated within the case as per Laureato tradition as well as a folding titanium buckle with a black PVD treatment and micro-adjustment system. While it may be 44mm, the watch does have a comfortable and sporty presence on the wrist, and adding the 330ft (100m) water resistance makes the sporty-looking watch practical.
This watch is priced at $26,700 (slightly over AED98,000) and will be available in stores in October 2023.
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