Girard-Perregaux has given its famous Laureato Absolute an upgrade by releasing two new colourways for the timepiece. The first, dubbed Light & Shade, is set in a smoked grey sapphire crystal case, while the limited-edition model, Light & Fire, is given a burst of colour with its translucent red case in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The Laureato Absolute, first unveiled in 2019, is a modern version of the house’s original 1975 Laureato model. The latest version of the watch is the culmination of the house’s long and illustrious history in watchmaking. The case measures 44 mm in diameter and is crafted from metalized sapphire crystal, giving the watch a mesmerizing effect. The case itself features cutting-edge technology. To create the sapphire crystal case the house had to create a boule of sapphire crystal using a technique termed the Kyropolous growth method. The 8-week-long process transforms alumina powder into a solid block of sapphire crystal. Thereafter, the block is cut into small discs before it is machined into shape to form the bezel, case middle and case back. The parts are then thermally treated and polished. Once the parts pass a specification test, they are then subjected to the metallisation process, which involves applying a surface treatment. The entire process of creating the sapphire crystal case alone takes 170 hours.
As for the limited edition, Light & Fire, the watch is encased in a YAG case, that reveals a captivating red hue meant to evoke thoughts of energy, vitality, and prosperity. The intense red colour plays with light to mimic the embers of a flame. The watch is limited to just 18 pieces.
The new watches are fitted with the in-house Calibre GP01800-1143, a design crafted of a plethora of parts. The open-worked barrel offers a view of the mainspring in various degrees of tension. The gold oscillating weight is also open-worked, allowing wearers the chance to admire the bridges.
A three-dimensional ring sits between the movements and the bezel featuring the GP logo at 12 o’clock. This unique method of constructing the watch prevents the need for a conventional watch case ring. The case and movement are assembled on a single axis through a screw system.
Both iterations of the watch will go on sale in April this year and will be available at all authorized Girard-Perregaux retailers.
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