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SPECIAL FEATURE
State of the Art
Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech features
a carbon composite produced using an industry-first technique
that gives it exceptional durability and a distinctive appearance
If you’re into watches that feature high-tech materials, you’d already be quite familiar with
Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato Absolute range, a sub-collection within the brand’s signature
Laureato line that is known for its impressive variety of world-first innovations. Since the
first Laureato Absolute was launched in 2019, unusual new models have continuously been
introduced, each featuring a different cutting-edge material.
Some of the most recent examples include the Laureato Absolute Light and Shade and the
Light and Fire, which boast transparent cases made from metallised sapphire crystal. But
Girard-Perregaux’s innovations for the line are not solely limited to the case material. One
fascinating creation is the Laureato Absolute Gold Fever, which has a unique strap made
from rubber alloy — an invention of the watchmaker that is produced by suffusing rubber
with rose gold.
The Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech uses a carbon composite made of carbon fibres and titanium powder
The latest Laureato Absolute release sees yet another technical innovation being employed
in a visually outstanding watch model. This time, it is a groundbreaking technique that
turns a carbon and titanium composite into a highly durable yet lightweight material. Named
the Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech, the watch features a case that is crafted from
this new material. The word 8Tech refers to the innovative technique utilised in producing
the case of the timepiece, which fuses together carbon composite layers, one upon another,
to construct its form. These layers are super thin — each measuring just 0.05mm thick —
and are composed of unidirectional, non-braided and pre-impregnated carbon fibres that
have been combined with lightweight titanium powder.
THE LATEST LAUREATO ABSOLUTE
SEES YET ANOTHER TECHNICAL
INNOVATION BEING EMPLOYED IN
A VISUALLY OUTSTANDING
WATCH MODEL.
These layers are then “superimposed” upon one another, each orientated differently
to form “stacks” that are cut into octagons. These octagonal pieces are then placed in a
mould and subjected to heat and extreme pressure. The resulting material is what the
case components, including the bezel, are milled from. Each component is then refined by
hand. This technique is an industry first, and gives the case a shimmering appearance and a
swirled, wavy pattern reminiscent of Damascus steel. What makes it even more remarkable
is that the structural pattern of the composite used for each case is unique, which means
that every case is different and will have its own distinct appearance.
While circular shapes could have been created from this material, the watchmaker chose the
octagonal form that has become a brand signature since the beginnings of the Laureato line
in 1975. It also doesn’t hurt that the octagonal shape, which has eight sides, is a symbol of
luck in certain cultures.
The watch’s carbon and titanium composite is as strong as steel but five times lighter
Sensorial Delight
Sleek and modern aesthetics aside, the other obvious benefit of the material is its weight, which is five times lighter than steel despite being as strong and durable as the metal. Thus, despite a generously sized case measuring 44mm wide and 15.15mm thick, the Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech feels as light as a feather on the wrist at just 106.4g.
The dial is produced via a sandwich-type construction method. The sandblasted top is grey
with a gradient effect to echo the colours seen in the carbon composite used for the case.
At the bottom, you have grade 5 titanium that is partially visible through the arrow-shaped
apertures found on the upper surface. The date window between the four and five o’clock
positions is accompanied by three sub-dials for the running seconds (located at three
o’clock), the 12-hour counter (six o’clock) and the 30-minute counter (nine o’clock). These
various features on the dial combine to present a play on texture, colour and depth.
The self-winding calibre GP03300-1058 as seen through the darkened display caseback
Beating inside the Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech is a manufacture movement
comprising 419 components. This is the self-winding calibre GP03300-1058, revealed
via the display caseback fitted with a smoky-toned sapphire crystal that goes perfectly
with the timepiece’s colour theme of grey and black. The blackened movement is quite a
stunning sight, featuring a mix of textures created via various finishing techniques, including
chamfering, straight-graining and Côtes de Genève striping. The integrated bracelet is one
of the distinctive features of the Laureato line, and the 8Tech is no different. It comes with
an integrated black rubber strap with a fabric-effect look, grey stitching and a black PVD-treated folding titanium buckle with a micro-adjustment system that allows one to fine-tune
the strap’s fit.
With its monochromatic design and subtly patterned case, this is a Laureato Absolute model
for those who prefer their watches on the understated side, but with an unmistakeable dose
of distinctiveness to set them apart.
The Hour Glass is the exclusive retailer of Girard-Perregaux in Singapore.
Photos: Girard-Perregaux
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