Girard Perregaux adds to its Laureato Absolute collection with the new Laureato Absolute 8Tech, a culmination of the Manufacture’s amassed knowledge, underlining its ability to optimise avant-garde materials to breathtaking effect.
Using 8Tech, a groundbreaking technique, the watch case is formed of octagonal carbon parts, creating a random structural pattern. The case material is composed of unidirectional, non-braided and pre-impregnated carbon fibres, combined with lightweight titanium powder to form extremely thin layers, measuring just 0.05mm in thickness. These layers are superimposed upon one another, each orientated differently to form ‘stacks’ which are then cut into octagons, an industry first.
The octagonal shapes are placed in a mould and subjected to heat and extreme pressure. Thereafter, the case components, including the bezel, are milled from the material and then subsequently refined by hand. This one-of-a-kind technique endows the case with a shimmering appearance.
While Girard-Perregaux could have created circular shapes, the octagonal form is close to the heart of the Maison, it’s a shape that has become a brand signature since the release of the inaugural Laureato in 1975.
Five times lighter than steel but with comparable strength and rigidity, the high-tech case material provides a compelling case for selection. Interestingly, it has a wavy appearance, reminiscent of Damascus steel.
A sandwich-type construction method is used for the dial. The upper surface is sandblasted and presented in a gradient grey finish, echoing the tones of the case and bezel. The lower layer is formed of Grade 5 titanium, partially revealed via a series of apertures in the upper surface. These arrow-tipped openings serve as indexes, while rectangular markings positioned adjacent incorporate luminescent treatment, delivering a white emission in restricted light.
The dial incorporates three sandblasted counters along with a date display positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. Baton-type hour and minute hands, presented in a grey titanium hue, are lined with luminescent material (white emission). The fine central chronograph seconds hand, used in conjunction with the crisp minute track, presents elapsed seconds in an intelligible form. The dial composition plays with textures, colours and depths to provide peerless readability and a handsome, neoteric appearance.
The Laureato Absolute 8Tech is endowed with a Manufacture movement, the self-winding Calibre GP03300-1058. A smoked sapphire crystal positioned to the rear of the watch subscribes to the same monochromatic tones employed elsewhere on the case and bezel. The movement comprises 419 components and features exemplary finishing, including Côtes de Genève, chamfering and straight graining, perpetuating the traditional skills practised by Girard-Perregaux since 1791.
