Girard-Perregaux presents Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech, an ultramodern and feather light mechanical wristwatch made of a composite material derived from combining carbon fibres and titanium powder. Thanks to its high-tech case construction, this massive 44mm watch remains incredibly light.
Since unveiling the ultra-modern Laureato Absolute collection in 2019, the iconic Swiss manufacture has continuously explored cutting-edge materials. The new Laureato Absolute 8Tech draws on the Manufacture’s amassed knowledge. Using 8Tech, a cutting edge technique, the 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.
Five times lighter than steel but with comparable strength and rigidity, the high-tech case material 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 Laureato Absolute 8Tech houses the self-winding manufacture Calibre GP03300-1058. Visible through the smoked sapphire crystal case-back, the movement comprises 419 components and features exemplary finishing, including Côtes de Genève, chamfering and straight graining.
The Laureato 8Tech comes with an integrated black rubber strap featuring a fabric-effect look and incorporating grey stitching. It has a black PVD titanium folding buckle with a micro adjustment system, allowing the wearer to fine tune the sizing of the strap, granting the optimal wrist fit.
The model will be available worldwide in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers from October 2023.
Technical details
Model: Girard-Perregaux 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
Water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)
Dial
Gadient grey, titanium counters and indexes
Hands: Baton type hour and minute hands with grey PVD treatment and luminescent material (white emission)
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
Black rubber strap with fabric effect and grey stitches
Buckle: Folding with micro adjustment system, titanium withPVD treatment
Suggested retail price
22,700 GBP / 25,500 CHF / 26,700 USD / 28,200 EUR
