Aston Martin, Girard Perregaux collaborate on new chronograph

MANILA: The partnership between Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux, which was first revealed earlier this year, has resulted in the creation of a new timepiece, the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition.

The styling of the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition expertly manipulates shapes, textures, and light, tailored for those who value luxury and performance. The two companies have combined expertise of over 330 years, which is evident when appraising both firm’s creations. While respecting their legacy, they share a firmly forward-thinking approach.

In a statement, Girard-Perregaux Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pruniaux said, “Our Manufacture has a long history of collaborations, beginning with our founder Jean-François Bautte who brought different “établisseurs” together under one roof, effectively creating one of the first Manufactures as we know them today.  Not only has our partnership with Aston Martin yielded two exceptional timepieces, it is indeed a meeting of the minds and marks the beginnings of a true friendship between both brands and our teams. The Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition is evidence of that mutual understanding and shared philosophy.”

The timepiece’s dial is filled with a gloriously luxurious application of “Aston Martin Green,” which was accomplished by painstakingly applying paint to the dial 21 times, resulting in seven distinct layers of paint. The automotive influences also include cross-hatching, a diamond-like pattern originally seen on the ultra-luxury car manufacturer’s “AM” logo (1921-1926). The quilted seats seen in the British brand’s high-performance sports cars also influenced the timepiece’s design.

Three counters, two chronograph registers, and a small seconds display adorn the dial. The design of the hour hand and minute hand is continued on each counter by a partially openworked hand. Each counter’s center part is fastened. A date display at 4:30 completes the inventory of functions.

The shape of the timepiece, which features an octagonal bezel, pays homage to the watch brand’s legendary Laureato from 1975. The case wonderfully plays with numerous shapes, adhering to Girard-Perregaux’s design philosophy. Furthermore, the numerous curves, facers, and lines, as well as the satin-finished and polished edges, work together to create a beautiful light play.

The Manufacture movement, the Calibre GP 03300-0141, is visible via a sapphire crystal on the back of the watch, marking the first time a Laureato Chronograph has an open caseback. This movement features Cotes de Geneve in both circular and straight forms, polished sinks, thermally blued screws, and perlage. It is based on the highly respected Calibre GP03300. The eagle emblem on the movement indicates that it is an in-house caliber.

The watch in encased in a 42mm 904L stainless steel case. This type of steel is less common and more expensive than 316L as it offers higher corrosion resistance, improved scratch resistance, and a considerably brighter, more sumptuous appearance. The bracelet, which is complemented with a satin brushed finish, is made of 904L stainless steel.

“As Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux strengthen our partnership, the same is happening with our common design ethos, geared towards discreet luxury,” Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman stated. “Evidence of it continues to appear in subtle touches throughout the watch, for instance, in its partially openworked hour and minute hands, which have been purposely designed to evoke thoughts of racing cars, eschewing extraneous material to deliver superior performance. Likewise, the central chronograph seconds hand features a counterweight that resembles the sides strakes first seen on the 1958 Aston Martin DB4.”

The Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin is now available at all authorized Girard-Perregaux retailers worldwide. Only 188 pieces of this limited-edition timepiece will be sold in the market.

Photos from Aston Martin

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