The green ceramic components are particularily hard, up to seven times harder than steel (All photos: Girard-Perregaux)
Horology is a world of secrets but sharing them, especially with brands that share the same design philosophy, has yielded some interesting results. For example, Girard-Perregaux embarked on a multi-year partnership with Aston Martin two years ago to release a slew of forward-looking pieces, from triple-bridge tourbillons to sports chronographs. This month, a distillation of their firm relationship has engendered a simple, three-hand Laureato that is — wait for it — made entirely of green ceramic, including the bracelet.
The first Laureato debuted in 1975 with an octagonal bezel that sat atop a circular plinth, which in turn was positioned above an angular tonneau-shaped case. Fast forward 48 years and a new iteration of the Laureato with integrated bracelet, available in 38mm and 42mm, has been introduced to suit all occasions and genders.
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Comfort is highly prized in the realm of luxury sports, and Laureato honours this quality with a case thickness ranging from 10.27mm to 11.08mm, making it relatively flat to wear for an extended period.
Aston Martin has proved time and time again that there is life beyond record-breaking vehicles, and of course, Bond. Despite broadening its portfolio, however, the English marque has never lost sight of its racing car lineage.
The unique green that envelops the latest Laureato is an ode to the 1990 Gordon Bennett Cup, in which various hues were assigned to vehicles based on the nationality of the driver. French cars were presented in blue, Italian in red, German in white or silver and British in green. Therefore, it is only logical for Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin to choose a colour, though slightly darker in this current interpretation, that is inextricably linked to performance and success.
Powered with the in-house Calibre GPO03300, both modern Laureato models are self-winding and can be admired through a see-through caseback, personalised with the Aston Martin logo. Circular graining is featured on the main plate, while other components are endowed with bevelling, mirror-polishing, satin finish, snailing, sunray finish and various engravings.
The Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition goes on sale in June, and is available at selected Girard-Perregaux retailers. Additional info at girard-perregaux.com.
This article first appeared on Mar 27, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
