The Laureato launched in 1975 featuring a tonneau-shaped case and an octagonal bezel, and was the first watch with an integrated watch to boast an in-house design and movement. In 2019, Girard Perregaux unveiled a new expression of this classic watch in the Laureato Absolute, the line that shared the same genetic codes as the Laureato albeit with a sporty touch. Now, for Geneva Watch Days 2023, the brand has put material innovation centrestage, with the Absolute Chronograph 8Tech (Ref. 81060-41-3222-1CX).
The Absolute Chronograph 8Tech is a 44mm timepiece crafted with unidirectional, non-braided and pre-impregnated carbon fibres, fused with lightweight titanium powder to form thin layers that are only 0.05mm in thickness; the material is robust and is five times lighter than steel. The watch features a wavy octagonal-shaped case, which is a brand’s signature design since the foremost Laureato was released.
The dial of the watch is made using a sandwich-type construction method; on the upper side is sandblasted and gradient grey finish, matching the vibe of the case and bezel, and the lower layer has Grade 5 titanium. Further, there are arrow-tipped open hour markers and adjacent to them are rectangular markings applied with white luminescent along with baton hands coated with grey titanium, and three sandblasted chronographs, and a date window located between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The Absolute Chronograph 8Tech is equipped with a self-winding Calibre GP03300-1058, beating at a frequency of 28,800 VPH and boasting a 46 hours of power reserve. The black rubber strap with grey stitching features a folding titanium buckle treated with black PVD is integrated to the case.
Images Courtesy: Girard Perregaux