The Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition: Two World Premieres, One Extraordinary Watch
5 min read
A fraction of a second can spell the difference between success and failure in the cutthroat world of Formula One. Aside from aerodynamics and engine power, weight is extremely important, thus teams are constantly researching new novel materials that promise to save weight. The AMF1 Team has applied its great knowledge of lightweight materials to the realm of Haute Horlogerie in this case.
Girard-Perregaux was named the Official Watch Partner of Aston Martin, the ultra-luxury British performance car brand, and the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team, last year (AMF1). The two companies have worked on two watches since they started working together: the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges Aston Martin Edition and the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition. For the first time, Girard-Perregaux has collaborated with the AMF1 Team to create a new model, the Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition, which boasts two industry firsts. This revolutionary timepiece combines two worlds: micromechanics and Formula One's high performance.
The 44mm casing of the new Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition is cutting-edge. Its composition is a first in the watch industry, combining titanium powder and carbon parts from two F1 race cars utilized during the 2021 season. Individual components are brought together and combined with a coloured resin using a high-tech manufacturing technique. The resulting material outperforms steel in terms of ductility. Each watch will have its own visual character, making it stand out from other timepieces on the market.
Patrick Pruniaux, Girard-Perregaux’s Chief Executive Officer, remarked, “From the outset, working with Aston Martin has been a joy. It has not just been a case of putting our name on a Formula OneTM car. On the contrary, we have collaborated on various projects, resulting in the production of two very different watches. Working together has led to some innovative and interesting ideas, culminating in the creation of new exciting products. It has also led to some wonderful friendships forming between both companies’ personnel.”
Two world premieres, one extraordinary watch
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition is housed in an industry-first 44mm titanium and carbon casing. The Manufacture's creativity, however, extends to the strap of this model, which is another 'global premiere.' The GP Rubber Alloy is comprised of FKM rubber (FKM) and carbon parts extracted from two Formula One race cars utilized during the 2021 season and is displayed in Aston Martin Racing Green.
The method of generating this groundbreaking piece is quite complex and necessitates the use of specialized instruments. Furthermore, creating such a technological strap needs a substantial investigation into the materials' compatibility. When compared to traditional rubber, the resulting strap provides improved suppleness and resistance.
Aston Martin has long stood for elegance and performance.
Aston Martin has long had a proud link with racing, having been born on a racetrack 109 years ago. It has competed in a variety of international competitions over the years, with great success. While performance is an important element of Aston Martin's DNA, the brand is also recognized as a global symbol synonymous with style, luxury, and exclusivity.Aston Martin produces a line of critically praised luxury cars, including the Vantage, DB11, DBS, and DBX, as well as its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie, by combining cutting-edge technology, time-honored workmanship, and stunning style.
This is celebrated with the new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph AMF1 Edition which incorporates several design influences from the prestigious ultra-luxury British marque’s products. The dial on the watch is presented in sunray ‘Aston Martin Racing Green’ and is adorned with cross-hatching, a motif that can be traced back to the Aston Martin ‘AM’ badge of 1921.
Many sports cars feature hollowed-out components that provide structural rigidity while at the same time mitigating mass. Moreover, the openings seen on several Aston Martin cars facilitate cooling. This new watch features open-worked hands throughout to imbue the design with a note of sportiness. A splash of lime is used to identify the chronograph hands to echo the design of the AMF1 car. The counterweight on the central chronograph hand emulates the side strakes widely used on numerous Aston Martin road cars. While the automotive influences are clear to see, some details are very subtle and may only be spotted by devotees of Aston Martin and those in the know.
