Introduced in 1975, the Laureate from the house of Girard-Perregaux has enjoyed considerable success especially in recent years from collectors.
Characterized by a sporty look, also accomplice to the integrated bracelet, the Laureato over the years has known different versions made with different materials and complications making it always a harmonious watch in shape.
Today the fashion house decided to present two new, totally unique and unexpected versions of the Laureato Absolute line made with materials that can give the watches a unique look.
Absolute variation of the Laureato collection
Introduced in 2019, the Laureato Absolute line takes direct inspiration from Girard-Perregaux’s in-house Laureato Classic line from which it draws its unmistakable rounded octagonal design.
Characterized by the absence of the bracelet, instead of which we find an integrated strap, this variant of the Laureato turns out to be purely sporty accomplice also to the innovative materials with which the cases of these watches are made.
Following the creation of several models in what might be called the “modern design” line of the Laureate, Girard-Perregaux presented two models made through the watchmaking savoir-faire of the maison, showing an unexpected expertise in working with unusual materials.
These are the Laureato Absolute Light & Shade, made with a transparent sapphire crystal case, and the Laureato Absolute Light & Fire, made with a transparent red case through the use of a new material with unique characteristics.
Laureato Absolute Light & Shade e Absolute Light & Fire
Featuring both a 44 mm diameter case – admittedly a bit large in size – these two new watches testify Girard-Perregaux’s watchmaking skills and mastery of shapes
Made of metallic sapphire crystal with 170 hours of work, the case of the Laureato Absolute Light & Shade is constructed through the “Kyropoulos growth method.” This protracted growth technique transforms alumina powder into a block of sapphire crystal, a process that takes up to 8 weeks.
Once the sapphire block is obtained, it is cut into small discs that are subsequently machined to form the bezel, case middle and back.
After that, the parts are heat-treated, polished and, finally, subjected to a metallization treatment that involves applying a surface treatment to the parts in a vacuum giving the watch a final “smoky” appearance.
Unlike the Absolute Light & Shade, the Laureato Absolute Light & Fire features a completely unique and novel case with a strong visual impact.
Made in a fascinating deep red color that pays homage to the Chinese New Year, this case encloses within it a new polycrystalline material called YAG i.e., a compound formed by yttrium garnet and aluminum. Similar to sapphire crystal in terms of transparency, this material turns out to be hard and scratch-resistant.
Connoted with several dark hues, this feature was specially sought after by the Girard-Perregaux team as they were eager to give the watch a bright shade of red, a color that evokes energy, vitality and prosperity.
A feature that immediately jumps out at you as soon as you look at the two new graduates is the skeletonized manufacture movement that goes into the dial of the watch.
Thanks to this feature and the transparent cases, which allow the automatic movement to be admired even at its back, it is possible to observe numerous components of the GP01800-1143 caliber that are usually hidden from view for construction reasons.
The movement plate is a perfect reference to the famous Laureate bezel.
Looking at the back of the watch, you can see the white gold skeletonized oscillating weight that gives life to the movement.
Encased in the 11.56 mm thick case, the caliber features noteworthy finishes throughout.
A closer look at the front of the watch reveals the hour and minute hands that echo the “skeleton motif,” at the expense of legibility, which, however, is safeguarded by the size of the hands and their white finial. The hour markers are inserted directly on the flange.
Completing the watch design is the black rubber strap with fabric effect anchored to the two black PVD-treated titanium lugs integrated into the case.
Made of FKM rubber, a much more flexible and durable material than traditional rubber, the strap buckle features a micro-adjustment system.
Price and availability
Available for purchase from April 2023 at authorized Girard-Perregaux dealers worldwide, the new Laureato Absolute Light & Shade will be sold at a price of CHF 95,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 96,000.
Limited to only 18 examples, the new Laureato Shade and Absolute Light & Fire will be sold at an all-time list price of CHF 95,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 96,000
To learn more about Girard-Perregaux visit their official website.
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