Girard-Perregaux Amazes the World with the Innovative Laureato Absolute 8Tech

Since the moment it introduced the ultra-modern Laureato Absolute collection in 2019, Girard-Perregaux has been continuously exploring innovative materials...

The latest addition to the collection, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech, is the latest in the line of Laureato Absolute models and leverages the company's accumulated knowledge. Using a revolutionary technique called 8Tech, the case is composed of octagonal carbon components, creating a random structural pattern. The Laureato Absolute once again demonstrates Girard-Perregaux's ability to optimize avant-garde materials with stunning effects.

Eternally Innovative

When the first Laureato was introduced in 1975, it adeptly fit into the spirit of watchmaking in the 1970s. The advent of quartz mechanisms led many to question the relevance of mechanical watches when battery-powered timepieces offered such incredible precision. Buyers also appreciated the style of sports models with integrated bracelets that looked just as good with jeans as they did with cocktail attire.

Girard-Perregaux, a Manufacture known for its innovative spirit, was at the forefront of quartz technology. In fact, the company introduced the 32,768 Hz frequency, which later became the universal standard for quartz watches. Eventually, mechanical watches experienced a renaissance and are highly esteemed today among connoisseurs of fine timepieces. The Laureato was the first model with an integrated bracelet, carrying a design and mechanism made entirely by the company from the very beginning.

Masterful Play of Contrasts

The styling of Laureato watches skillfully combines components of different shapes. From the start, the model was designed in-house. It features an octagonal bezel, set above a round base, which, in turn, rests on a barrel-shaped case. While these different shapes are placed side by side, they harmoniously merge.

Laureato Absolute – High-Performance Materials

In 2019, the brand's manufacture introduced a new version of the classic 1975 model, the Laureato Absolute. Sharing the same genetic codes as the Laureato, the Laureato Absolute collection brings avant-garde design to each model, giving them an extremely sporty appearance.

Since the debut of the Laureato Absolute, Girard-Perregaux has repeatedly used various revolutionary materials, including metallized sapphire crystal, carbon glass, and rubber alloys. Now, the renowned brand continues this philosophy with the new model, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech, a watch housed in a composite of carbon and titanium, created through an innovative and unique process.

A Delight for Some

Thanks to its high-tech construction, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech model is recognizable for its size on the wrist while remaining incredibly lightweight. Its exceptionally light mass provides outstanding wearing comfort, making it an ideal daily companion.

The case material consists of unidirectional, non-woven, prepreg carbon fibers combined with lightweight titanium powder to form extremely thin layers, measuring only 0.05 mm. These layers overlap each other, with each one oriented differently to create "bars" that are then cut into octagons, a first in the industry.

The octagonal shapes are placed in a mold and subjected to heat and extreme pressure. Afterward, the case components, including the bezel, are machined from the material and then manually finished. This unique technique gives the case a brilliant appearance.

While Girard-Perregaux could create round shapes, the octagonal shape is close to the heart of the company, as it has been the brand's signature since the first Laureato was introduced in 1975. Moreover, the octagonal shape with eight sides is a symbol of good luck for billions of people.

Five times lighter than steel but with similar strength and rigidity, the high-tech case material provides compelling reasons for selection. Interestingly, it has a wavy appearance, reminiscent of Damascus steel.

A Dialogue Composed of Contrasts

The sandwich method was used to create the dial. The upper surface is sandblasted and has a gradient gray finish, reflecting the tones of the case and bezel. The lower layer is made of grade 5 titanium and is partially revealed through a series of openings on the upper surface. These openings with arrow-shaped tips serve as indices, while rectangular markers along the edges feature luminescent treatment that provides white light in low-light conditions.

The dial features three sandblasted chronograph subdials and a date display positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock. Baton-shaped hour and minute hands in a gray titanium hue are coated with luminescent material. The fine central seconds hand of the chronograph, used in conjunction with a clear minute scale, displays elapsed seconds in a precise manner. The composition of the dial plays with textures, colors, and depths to provide unparalleled legibility and a beautiful, newly created appearance.

Ultramodern Yet Infused with Traditional Craftsmanship

The Laureato Absolute 8Tech is equipped with a manufacture movement, the automatic caliber GP03300-1058. A smoked sapphire crystal positioned on the back of the watch follows the same monochromatic tones used on the case and bezel. The movement consists of 419 components and is characterized by exquisite finishing, including Côtes de Genève, chamfering, and straight graining, transmitting the traditional skills practiced by the illustrious brand since 1791.

Optimal Fit on the Wrist

The Laureato 8Tech is presented with a black rubberized strap that has the appearance of fabric and includes gray contrast. Maintaining the Laureato tradition, the bracelet is integrated into the case, a feature that provides exceptional wearing comfort. The bracelet is paired with a folding titanium clasp with a black PVD treatment, which also includes a micro-adjustment system, allowing the wearer to precisely adjust the bracelet size for optimal fit on the wrist.

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