Girard Perregaux Introduces The Laureato Absolute 8Tech Carving An Innovative Fusion Of Groundbreaking Materials - Geneva Watch Days 2023

 

Girard-Perregaux has embarked on an unceasing journey of pushing the boundaries with pioneering materials. Introducing the latest gem to the Laureato Absolute collection launched in 2019, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech timepiece not only reaffirms this legacy but also harnesses the wealth of expertise accumulated by the Manufacture.

Through the ingenious application of 8Tech, a revolutionary methodology, the watch's case is meticulously fashioned from octagonal carbon components, resulting in an enchantingly irregular structural tapestry.

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute 8tech reveals a mastery of modern materials and traditional watchmaking allure

Once more, the Laureato Absolute stands as a testament to Girard-Perregaux's unparalleled prowess in artfully harnessing cutting-edge materials, resulting in a truly breathtaking spectacle.

An Orchestration Of Captivating Contrasts

With an inception within Girard Perregaux’s atelier, the 8Tech model seamlessly marries disparate geometric elements. The octagonal bezel takes its poised stance above the circular pedestal, gracefully cradled by the angular tonneau-shaped case beneath. In this artful dance of divergent shapes, an entrancing symphony of harmony emerges, as they converge in perfect unity.

Laureato Absolute 8tech is dominated by octagonal geometric elements

Wrist Presence And Construction

In a stunning fusion of form and function, the 44mm Laureato Absolute 8Tech exudes a commanding presence on the wrist, yet maintains an astonishing lightness. Its featherlight composition ensures unparalleled wearer comfort, making it a perfect companion for daily wear.

The Laureato Absolute 8Tech is housed in a carbon/titanium composite made using an innovative and unique process

Crafted from a blend of unidirectional, pre-impregnated carbon fiber and lightweight titanium powder, the case material boasts exceptional thinness, measuring a mere 0.05mm. These delicate layers, each oriented differently, are meticulously stacked and then intricately cut into octagonal shapes - an industry first.

Through a transformative process involving heat and pressure, these octagonal forms metamorphose in a mold, ultimately yielding the refined components of the case, including the bezel, which are further hand-polished to achieve a dazzling sheen.

The timepiece employs a one-of-a-kind technique which endows the case with a shimmering appearance

The octagonal shape holds deep significance for Girard-Perregaux, tracing back to the iconic Laureato's inception in 1975. Notably, the timepiece displays a mesmerizing wave-like pattern reminiscent of Damascus steel. The Laureato 8Tech is presented on a black rubber strap featuring a fabric-effect look and incorporating gray stitching.

Unveiling The Dial's Secrets

For the dial of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute 8Tech, a captivating construction method is employed. The upper layer boasts a gradient gray finish, harmonizing with the case and bezel, achieved through sandblasting. Beneath, Grade 5 titanium forms the lower layer, peeking through apertures resembling arrowheads that double as indexes. Adjacent rectangular markers are imbued with luminescence, emanating a soft white glow in low light.

The dial features a sandwich-type construction

Three sandblasted sub-dials and a date display grace the dial, elegantly positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock. Baton-style hour and minute hands, coated in gray titanium, are adorned with luminescent material, casting a luminous white hue.

The slender central chronograph seconds hand, in sync with the precise minute track, ensures effortless legibility for elapsed time. A symphony of textures, colors, and depths in the dial's composition not only guarantees unrivaled readability but also confers a sophisticated and modern allure.

A Modern Caliber Finished To Contemporary Artisanal Allure

The heart of the Laureato Absolute 8Tech beats with a self-winding Manufacture movement, the Caliber GP03300-1058. Revealed through a smoked sapphire crystal on the back, it echoes the sleek monochromatic aesthetic embraced by the case and bezel. Impeccably crafted, the movement consists of 419 components, showcasing exquisite finishing touches like Côtes de Genève, chamfering, and straight graining. These time-honored techniques, dating back to Girard-Perregaux's inception in 1791, remain faithfully preserved.

The self-winding caliber GP03300-1058 is presented through a smoked sapphire crystal

The model will be available worldwide in all authorized Girard-Perregaux retailers from October 2023.

Technical specification

Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech
Reference: 81060-41-3222-1CX

Case
Material: Carbon/titanium composite
Diameter: 44.00 mm
Height: 15.15 mm
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire
Case-back: sapphire crystal
Dial: gradient gray, titanium counters and indexes
Hands: ’baton’ type with gray PVD treatment and luminescent material (white emission)
Water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)

Movement
Reference: GP03300-1058
Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 25,95 mm (111/2’’’)
Height: 6.50 mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4 Hz)
Number of components: 419
Number of jewels: 63
Power reserve: min. 46 hours
Functions: Chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds, date

Strap
Material: black rubber strap with fabric effect and gray stitches
Buckle: folding with micro adjustment system, titanium with PVD treatment