Girard-Perregaux has unveiled its latest Laureato made in collaboration with Aston Martin, a partner since 2021.
The Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition is the first time GP has made a Laureato with a scratch-resistant green ceramic case and bracelet that is said to be seven times more durable than stainless steel.
There are two British racing green models going on sale today, one in a 42mm case, the other in 38mm.
“[Girard Perregaux CEO] Patrick Pruniaux and I spent a lot of time talking about the folklore of the Laureato and the design play between shape and proportion of its iconic bezel. When he shared GP’s exploration into the optical properties of technical ceramics, micro beads and microns, I became quite enchanted by this idea of the past becoming the future. We’re always exploring combinations of technology, colour, and materials in Aston Martin sports cars to enrich performance, functionality and owner enjoyment. Together we’ve fused these ideas and attributes to generate this cool new Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition,” describes Marek Reichman, executive vice president and chief creative officer, at Aston Martin Lagonda.
The latest three-hand with date Laureatos have several touch points in common with Aston Martin luxury sports cars. “Powerful engines, sleek contours and lightweight construction are virtues synonymous with the British firm’s products,” GP says.
Shedding weight from the watch is another goal that Girard-Perregaux has in common with the car maker, which is seen in the use of ceramic rather than steel or precious metal, and in tiny details like skeletonised hour and minute hands.
Another nod to Aston Martin is the cross-hatch design on the dial, a diamond-like pattern found on the ‘AM’ logo used from 1921 to 1926 as well as the quilted seats found in some of its cars.
Under the hood, the 42mm Laureato houses an in house GPO18OO automatic movement, while the 38mm version is equipped with the Calibre GPO33OO.
The 42mm model is on sale for £21,900 and the 38mm piece is £21,100.
Girard-Perregaux has said it will open its first boutique in the UK this year.
The company’s CEO Patrick Pruniaux says the branded showroom will be in London, and will be part of a global network of around a dozen flagships.
Girard-Perregaux already has boutiques in Asia, run as franchises by its retail partners in the region.
“In 2023 we are going to roll out between 40 and 50 [shop-in-shops], which is about 25% of our distribution. Plus there will be a dozen additional boutiques in top locations. We are opening a boutique in Geneva in 2023. There is also going to be one in London,” he told WatchPro last year.
