BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
The Laureato is one of the most well-known watches produced by Girard-Perregaux. In recent times the brand has done a great job at giving the Laureato a futuristic and modern flavor with the release of the Laureato Absolute collection. The latest member of the Laureato Absolute family is the Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition.
Girard-Perregaux announced its partnership with British luxury automotive brand Aston Martin in 2021. Since the genesis of this association, the two prolific brands have worked together to create three distinctive sports watches. The new Absolute Aston Martin F1 Edition pays tribute to the thrilling sport of Formula 1 by making use of innovative materials and an accurate mechanical engine.
One of the first things that immediately make this watch stand out is its case. Measuring 44mm in diameter and having a thickness of 15.15mm, the case has been made using titanium and carbon extracted from two F1 cars used during the 2021 F1 season. This unique blend of materials not only helps in keeping the watch lightweight, but also lends the watch a distinctive visual appeal through the abstract pattern with hues of black, grey, and green spread across the case. Designwise, the case features a familiar angular profile with the signature octagonal bezel perched on top seen on all Laureato models. The case is water-resistant to a healthy 100 meters.
The visual excitement flows from the case into the dial. Inspired by the official colors of the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One team, the dial is presented in a deep green shade. The dial also features a crisscross pattern that makes it more dynamic and intriguing. Placed on top of the dial are three registers to keep track of the chronograph hours, minutes, and running seconds. All registers feature an angled black chapter ring that not only adds contrast, but also gives the dial a sense of depth. A sloped chapter ring on the outer periphery houses the printed minute track and the applied markers, which along with the skeletonized hands, have been filled with luminous paint for enhanced low light legibility. To add a pop of color and to segregate the chronograph functions, the chronograph hands have been painted in bright lime green color.
The watch is driven by the brand’s in-house calibre GP03300. This movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, comprises 63 jewels, and offers a power reserve of around 46 hours.
The new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition is limited to just 306 pieces and comes attached to a hybrid strap made by combining FKM rubber and reclaimed carbon from formula1 cars. The watch will retail for USD 27,800.
Visit Girard-Perregaux here.
