Last year, Girard- Perregaux was announced as the Official Watch Partner of the ultra-luxury British performance car manufacturer, Aston Martin and of the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team (AMF1). Since the organisations began working together, they have collaborated on two watches: the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges Aston Martin Edition and the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition. Now, Girard-Perregaux has, for the first time, worked with the AMF1 Team, creating a new model, the Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition, featuring two industry firsts. This ground-breaking watch unites two worlds, namely, micro-mechanics and the extreme performance of Formula One.
In the competitive world of F1, a mere fraction of a second can mean the difference between success or failure. Besides aerodynamics and engine power, weight is of huge importance, hence teams continuously research new innovative materials that promise to provide precious weight savings. In this instance, the AMF1 Team has brought its incredible understanding of lightweight, materials to the world of Haute Horlogerie.
The new Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition features a cutting-edge 44mm case. Its composition blends titanium powder and carbon elements taken from two F1 race cars used during the 2021 season, representing a first in the watch industry. Using a high-tech manufacturing process, the individual components are brought together and mixed with a tinted resin. The resultant material proffers superior ductility to that of steel. Each watch will have its own visual identity and will look uniquely different from any other timepiece on the market.
Two world premieres, one extraordinary watch
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition is housed in a 44mm highly innovative titanium and carbon case, an industry first. However, the Manufacture’s inventiveness also extends to this model’s strap, a further ‘world premiere’. The GP Rubber Alloy, presented in Aston Martin Racing Green, is made of FKM rubber (FKM) and carbon elements taken from two Formula One race cars used during the 2021 season. The process for creating this pioneering composition is highly technical and requires specialised equipment. Moreover, making such a technical strap necessitates extensive research into the compatibility of the materials used. The resultant strap proffers superior suppleness and resistance when contrasted with conventional rubber. In this instance, its appearance is enriched with a fabric-effect façade. The buckle, with its micro adjustment system, allows the wearer to fine-tune the union between the strap and their wrist.
Aston Martin has always been a byword for style and performance
Having been born on a racetrack 109 years ago, Aston Martin has always enjoyed a proud association with racing.
Over the years, it has participated in various forms of international competition, enjoying much success. However, while performance is a critical part of the marque’s DNA, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, and exclusivity.
Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS and DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie.
This is celebrated with the new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph AMF1 Edition which incorporates several design influences from the prestigious ultra-luxury British marque’s products.
The dial on the watch is presented in sunray ‘Aston Martin Racing Green’ and is adorned with cross- hatching, a motif that can be traced back to the Aston Martin ‘AM’ badge of 1921.
Many sports cars feature hollowed-out components that provide structural rigidity while at the same time mitigating mass. Moreover, the openings seen on several Aston Martin cars facilitate cooling. This new watch features open-worked hands throughout to imbue the design with a note of sportiness. A splash of lime is used to identify the chronograph hands to echo the design of the AMF1 car. The counterweight on the central chronograph hand emulates the side strakes widely used on numerous Aston Martin road cars. While the automotive influences are clear to see, some details are very subtle and may only be spotted by devotees of Aston Martin and those in the know.
Rear-engine power
Despite the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition being highly attractive, a reliable powerplant is also a prerequisite for success. For the first time on a Laureato Absolute Chronograph, the rear of the watch is fitted with a pane of sapphire crystal. Now, the wearer can view the automatic Manufacture movement, the Calibre GP03300-1058.
A limited-edition
The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team is based in Silverstone, England, close to the iconic racetrack. With this in mind, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph AM F1 Edition is limited to 306 pieces, the total distance drivers Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel will aim to cover on race day (5.891km x 52 laps) at the 2022 British Grand Prix. The model is immediately available worldwide in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers.
About Girard-Perregaux
Founded in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest fine watchmaking manufactures still in operation and is appreciated by those in the know. Indeed, the firm’s history is dotted with exceptional creations that skillfully blend aesthetics and functionality. These models include the iconic Laureato, born in 1975, as well as the legendary Tourbillon ‘With Three Gold Bridges,’ a watch that made the invisible visible, transforming bridges from just a technical element to an integral part of the timepiece – a first in watchmaking.
Girard-Perregaux’s place at the vanguard of horological innovation is confirmed by over one hundred recorded patents together with numerous prizes and distinctions. It remains one of the few watchmakers to retain Manufacture status for over two centuries by mastering all the required horological skills in-house and making watches infused with a notable degree of authenticity. While Girard-Perregaux respects its heritage, it continues to look ahead, embracing new technologies, state of the art materials, and fresh takes on iconic shapes.
As of 2022, Girard-Perregaux and sister Maison Ulysse Nardin have formed an independent collective of high horology Manufactures.
Reference: 81060-41-3071-1CX
Limited edition of 306 pieces, not numbered
Retail price CHF 26,500 / GBP £21,500 / USD $27,800
https://www.girard-perregaux.com
