SpotlightGirard-Perregaux’s Laureato Absolute Goes 8Tech With Carbon And Titanium At Geneva Watch Days 2023
The ‘Absolute’ series within the Laureato collection by Girard-Perregaux is where they dare to experiment beyond their signature Laureato timepieces. Unveiled at Geneva Watch Days 2023, the Absolute Chronograph 8tech follows similar themes—a new, yet familiar take on the Laureato template, rendered with new technique that spells material innovation
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The pedigree of the Laureato collection speaks for itself. Following its revival in 2016—after originally being launched in 1975—the watch quickly garnered acclaim for its sporty and sleek appearance. The maison recognised the popularity and did what they should have: experimented with different materials, sizes, and colours, while maintaining the much-adored characteristics of the watch. Unveiled at Geneva Watch Days 2023, the Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8tech is the next chapter in the Laureato saga. Featuring a chronograph complication and, most notably, the mysterious-looking 8tech case, the watch commands attention. Here’s everything you need to know about the Absolute saga’s latest chapter.
A Case Of Innovation: The New And Absolute 8Tech
In recent times, we’ve seen the Absolute Laureato timepieces receive cases made from a red polycrystalline material called YAG, carbon glass, and a metallised sapphire crystal, among others. This time, the Absolute Laureato—and its 44mm case—gets a case material composed of ‘unidirectional’, non-braided, and pre-impregnated carbon fibre, combined with lightweight titanium powder to form extremely thin layers, measuring 0.05mm in thickness. The technique with which it’s made is called 8tech. The layers of 8tech are superimposed upon one another to form ‘stacks’. These are then cut into octagonal shapes, which are then 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. Such intense labour is what gives the case the shimmering appearance that catches the eye but still does not draw attention solely on itself, allowing the overall aesthetic appeal of the watch to shine.
The maison say that they could have created circular shapes while experimenting with such materials. However, they hark back to the essence of the Laureato template, which is the octagonal form that has ‘become a brand signature’. In our opinion, this addition to their arsenal chooses the correct collection as the base and unlocks a whole new appeal with its impressive new case design. Moreover, the octagonal form positioned above a circular plinth is what makes the Laureato instantly recognisable. Without it, the watch would lose its identity.
Not Without The Signature Details: The Absolute 8tech
The significant presence of the 8tech commands attention, and the layered dial within this case certainly holds it. A sandwich-type construction is used for the dial, as seen before in the Absolute line. The sandblasted, grey, gradient dial includes a lower layer in grade-5 titanium, which is partially revealed through apertures.
The sub-dials within the dial are sandblasted as well, with perhaps the most notable feature being their depth. The date display, baton-type hour and minute hands in a grey titanium hue, filled with a white luminescent material all add to the ‘neoteric’ appearance of the timepiece.
Beneath all of this is the self-winding calibre GP03300-1058. The reliable movement lends the timepiece a minimum power reserve of 46 hours, while it is visible through a smoky sapphire crystal caseback. It would be unlike Girard-Perregaux to not display their watchmaking prowess, including literal centuries of experience, and they’ve done so with exemplary finishing on the movement, with detailing such as côtes de Genève, chamfering, and straight graining.
Perfectly completing the dark and mysterious aura of the watch is the black rubber strap. The fabric-effect look, which incorporates grey stitching, really helps in amplifying the bold design. All the while, the strap remains quite integrated. It wouldn’t really be a Laureato without that, would it! On it is a folding buckle in black PVD-treated titanium, which secures the watch to the wearer’s wrist.
The new Absolute Laureato may appear shadowy and mysterious, and it may not be as shiny as several other Laureato Absolute novelties that have come before it, but it definitely makes a mark with the innovative melding of carbon fibre and titanium—previously unexplored in this line. With the maison’s expertise with new materials and adaptive strengths on full display, the timepiece imprints itself as a worthy addition to the iconic collection.
