Now, Girard-Perregaux is pleased to unveil the new Laureato Absolute Light & Shade and the Laureato Absolute Light & Fire, a model that draws on the Maison’s amassed watchmaking know-how and employs its vast expertise working with innovative materials. Measuring 44 mm in diameter, the case of this latest model is made from metalized sapphire crystal, endowing the watch with a fascinating brilliance.

The new models exhibit a visually light appearance and bestow transparency, while conversely, it looks dark and reflective. This visual lightness is accompanied by a low mass of just 85 grams. Throughout its composition, the watch juxtaposes contrasting characteristics, distinguishing this contemporary expression of fine watchmaking as quite unique.

In order to create a watch with a sapphire crystal case, a boule of the sapphire crystal must be created using a technique termed ‘the Kyropoulos growth method’. This protracted growth method transforms alumina powder into a solid block of sapphire crystal, a process that takes up to 8 weeks. Thereafter, the block is cut into small discs which are then skilfully machined to form the bezel, case middle, and case back. Once this phase is completed, the parts need to be thermally treated and then polished. The components are carefully screened, and only those corresponding to the specifications and without inclusion are selected.

The sapphire crystal components are then subjected to a metallization treatment. This process involves applying a surface treatment to the parts within a vacuum. Ultimately, this suffuses them with a smoked appearance. The creation of this sapphire crystal case requires 170 hours of complex work.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade

The new Laureato Absolute Light & Shade upholds this ethos by revealing the movement to glorious effect courtesy of the sapphire crystal case. The main plate of the in-house movement, the Calibre GP01800-1143, is octago nal-shaped, a respectful nod to the Laureato’s famous bezel.

The skeletonized movement reveals a plethora of parts normally hidden from view, providing a fascinating vista of curves and lines enriched with pockets of light and shade. The barrel is open-worked, affording sight of the mainspring in various degrees of tension. Likewise, the balance wheel can be seen oscillating to and from in a bewitching dance.

The white gold oscillating weight is open-worked, inviting the wearer to admire the bridges below. Upholding Girard-Perregaux’s reputation for refined finishing, the NAC-treated bridges and main plate incorporate sandblasting, traits-ti- rés, circular satin finishing, and bevelling, with no less than 55 hand-polished inner angles. This automatic movement provides a power reserve of 54 hours.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Fire

Paying homage to the Chinese New Year, the new Absolute Laureato Light & Fire reveals a deep and captivating red color in a limited edition of only 18 pieces —not individually numbered. An intense red that plays with light, like the burning embers of a flame. Limited to just 18 pieces, the model shares much in common with the Laureato Absolute Light & Shade but is housed in a new polycrystalline material named YAG. Similar to sapphire crystal, this translucent material is hard and scratch-resistant, but also offers a variety of dark shades. This latter characteristic was particularly important to the Maison’s design team who were keen to dress the limited-edition timepiece in a deep red vibrant hue, a color that evokes thoughts of energy, vitality, and prosperity.

The powerful and elegant, open-worked hour and minute hands ensure excellent readability. A three-dimensional ring sitting between the bezel and the movement plays host to the GP logo at 12 o’clock and the remaining 11 indexes. Girard-Perregaux has employed a unique construction method, obviating the need for a conventional casing ring. The case and the movement are assembled on a single axis, from the case back to the bezel, by a very specific screw system. The demanding design of these screws requires micron-level precision to hold the different components together.

Two black, PVD-treated titanium lugs are integrated within the case, uniting the watch head with a black rubber strap. This arrangement not only looks modern but also ensures the strap is optimally positioned on the wrist, thereby conferring impressive wearer comfort. The lugs incorporate satin-finished surfaces with polished angles. The strap is made from FKM rubber, a material that delivers superior suppleness and resistance when contrasted with conventional rubber. In order to further heighten the visual allure of the strap, its appearance is enriched with a fabric effect façade. The buckle is fitted with a micro-adjustment system, allowing the wearer to fine-tune the union between the strap and their wrist. The crown is made of polished and sandblasted PVD-treated titanium, echoing the appearance of the lugs.

The new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade juxtaposes curves and lines, modern and traditional, and, lastly, aesthetics and functionality, while the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Fire celebrates the Chinese New Year with its distinctive translucent red case in a limited edition of only 18 pieces.

Sticker Price $99,600 USD for either model. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.