Haute News: Girard-Perregaux Unveils The New Laureato Absolute 8Tech During Geneva Watch Days

Geneva Watch Days is officially in full swing giving the watch industry some newness to end the summer season. Girard-Perregaux continues its trailblazing journey into avant-garde materials with the unveiling of the latest addition to its Laureato Absolute collection, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech. Since introducing the modern Laureato Absolute range in 2019, Girard-Perregaux has pushed the boundaries of horological innovation. The Laureato Absolute 8Tech harnesses the power of 8Tech, a groundbreaking technique, to create a case composed of octagonal carbon parts, resulting in an intricately random structural pattern.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

With a history of inventiveness dating back to 1975 when the first Laureato was introduced, Girard-Perregaux tapped into the prevailing horological trends of the 70s. In a time when quartz movements were redefining precision, the Laureato stood as a testament to mechanical watchmaking’s resilience. Fast forward to the present, the Laureato Absolute collection continues to embrace innovation, sporting an overtly sporty appearance that reflects the Maison’s commitment to pushing the envelope.

The Laureato Absolute 8Tech emerges as a masterpiece of both design and engineering. Its 44mm carbon/titanium composite case, crafted using the revolutionary 8Tech process, delivers remarkable lightness while maintaining wrist presence and wearer comfort. The use of unidirectional carbon fibers and lightweight titanium powder, stacked in layers and cut into octagons, forms a unique and visually captivating case. This proprietary technique not only imparts a shimmering aesthetic but also pays homage to GP’s iconic octagonal motif that has remained a brand signature since the inception of the original Laureato.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

The dial of the Laureato Absolute 8Tech employs a sandwich-type construction, blending form and function. Its sandblasted upper surface in a gradient grey finish complements the case and bezel tones. The lower layer, crafted from Grade 5 titanium, peeks through apertures to serve as indexes, while luminescent treatment on rectangular markers ensures legibility in low-light conditions. A trio of sandblasted counters and a date display complete the dial’s dynamic composition, enhanced by a mix of textures and colors.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

At its heart, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech houses the self-winding Caliber GP03300-1058, a Manufacture movement distinguished by its meticulous finishing. The smoked sapphire crystal caseback offers a view into the intricate movement adorned with Côtes de Genève, chamfering, and straight graining. The watch is fitted with a black rubber strap featuring a fabric-effect appearance and grey stitching, integrated seamlessly into the case for exceptional comfort. A folding titanium buckle with black PVD treatment and a micro-adjustment system ensures a personalized fit.

Scheduled for release worldwide in October 2023, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech is yet another testament to Girard-Perregaux’s dedication for creating contemporary marvels in the modern era.