Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade

In regards to the Laureato collection, Girard-Perregaux claims “Since the inaugural version of the Laureato was unveiled in 1975, the model has masterfully united contrasting elements to glorious effect.” Their recent Laureato Absolute Light & Shade takes the concept of fusing modern and traditional aesthetics to an innovative level in terms of use of materials. The 44 mm case is made of a metallised sapphire crystal that mixes with black PVD treated titanium for the lugs and crown. The juxtaposition of these two materials further explains the “Light & Dark” moniker.While the limited edition “Light & Fire” was crafted with essentially the same materials, but it differs significantly with a red polycrystalline YAG case, which adds a touch of “fire” to this version.Both of these watches lack the signature Laureato octagon-over-circle shaped bezel. Although it appears in the form of the octagonal shaped movement, which even include eight exposed screws that cross the case from front to back.To create these sapphire cases requires expertise and time, while a boule of sapphire crystal is formed using the ‘Kyropoulos growth method’. This technique transforms alumina powder into a solid block of sapphire crystal, during a process that can take up to 8 weeks.Afterwards this solid block of sapphire crystal is cut into small discs, chiseled to form the subsequent bezel, case middle, and caseback, which all get a thermal treatment and polished finish.The final metallisation treatment applied to their surface is where the smoky appearance derives from. In total Girard Perregaux says a sapphire crystal case takes 170 hours to produce.On the flip-side is a transparent sapphire exhibition case back that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. The openworked oscillating weight features the brand's inscription. It comes equipped with a knurled crown embossed with the GP logo. Water-resistance can reach up to 30 meters (100 feet).Time is exhibited on an openworked dial with polished triangular indices on an  inner flange, except at the 12 o'clock spot where the “GP” logo appears. In full display are the NAC-treated bridges, a sandblasted mainplate, and various other embellishments applied to the fully exposed movement.Other fundamental componentes stand out within circular frames, like the exposed barrel at 5 o’clock, plus the balance wheel at noon. The off-centered barrel and the gold rotor in this openworked presentation reveal much of the fine detail craftsmanship involved to create such a unique timepiece.The overall monochromatic color scheme (on the unlimited model) doesn’t impair legibility thanks to the large skeletonized hour and minute hands, which are (along with the small seconds hand at 10 o’clock) the only elements with a Super-LumiNova coating. 

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade

This “Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade” (Ref#: 81071-43-2022-1CX) is powered by the in-house, self-winding mechanical movement, caliber GP 1800 (in a skeletonized version) with 25 jewels, 172 components and 28,800 vph. Power reserve can last up to 54 hours, when fully wound.The “Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Fire“ (Ref#: 81071-44-3115- ICX) has the same price-tag, but is a limited edition of only 18 manufactured pieces. Mounted on the watch is a black rubber with fabric effect and exposed black or red stitching (depending on the version), secured to the wrist by a black PVD titanium folding buckle with micro-adjustment system. Both watches will become available in April, but for more up to date information visit the official Girard-Perregaux website here.

 

Girard-Perregaux, GP, Laureato, Absolute, Luxury Watches