Girard-Perregaux unveils the new Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech, in a carbon-titanium composite material. These unidirectional, non-braided and pre-impregnated carbon fibres combined with titanium powder to form super-thin 0.05mm layers. They are superimposed on one another, in different orientations, to form “stacks” that are then cut into octagons. These shapes are placed into a mould, and subject to heat and pressure, before being milled and refined by hand for the case components. This carbon-titanium material is five times lighter than steel, but with comparable strength and rigidity, offering excellent comfort on the wrist.

The sandwich constructed dial has an upper surface that is sandblasted with a gradient grey finish, congruent with the carbon-titanium case and bezel. The lower layer is made of Grade 5 titanium, partially revealed by the apertures in the upper surface, and serve as the indexes. Rectangular markings next to the index apertures, along with baton-type hour and minute hands in a grey titanium hue, have undergone luminescent treatment ensure visibility even in restricted light.

For contrast, the subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock have a sandblasted finish.