A genuine friendship formed between Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin Lagonda has led to the creation of a new timepiece, the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition, of which, a limited edition of just 188 pieces is available. With a functional yet beautiful design, this it celebrates the past while also embracing the future – an approach that resonates with both companies
Inspired by high-performance sports cars
The timepiece is tailored to those who appreciate luxury and performance. An eye-catching dial, in Aston Martin Green, is achieved by painstakingly applying paint to the area twenty-one times, forming seven distinct layers. Further details paying homage to motor racing are the cross-hatching and a diamond-like pattern first seen with the carmaker’s ‘AM’ logo in the 1920s (this motif was also inspired by the quilted seats found in the British brand’s numerous high-performance sports cars).
The history of ‘racing green’
Back in the early 1900s, various colours were assigned to racing cars to distinguish the different nationalities of the teams. As a result, French cars were presented in blue, Italian cars were famously red, Belgian cars were yellow, German cars were silver, and British cars were dressed in British Racing Green. As a British marque, Aston Martin adopted green as its racing colour with the most famous example being the Aston Martin DBR1 that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. From that car to the modern-day Formula 1® car, Aston Martin’s racing colour has remained green.
A design that plays with the light
The dial has a total of three counters; two chronograph registers and a small seconds display. Each of these features a partially open-worked hand, perpetuating the design of the hour and minute hands, while the central section of each counter is snailed. The bezel has been designed in an octagonal shape to honour the iconic 1975 Aston Martin Laureato, while the case features curves, facets and lines, with a satin finish and polished edges. As a result, the timepiece dances in the light, creating a unique and ever-changing aesthetic.
Calibre GP03300 and 904L stainless steel
This is the first Laureato Chronograph to feature an open case back. Sapphire crystal positioned at the back of the watch, affords a view on its manufacture movement – the Calibre GP03300-0141. Based on the highly regarded Calibre GP03300, it has Côtes de Genève, in both circular and straight forms, polished sinks, thermally blued screws, perlage – and Aston martin’s signature eagle emblem. Housed in a 42mm 904L superior stainless steel case, the piece offers enhanced corrosion resistance, improved scratch resistance and a bright, ultraluxurious appearance. The bracelet is also made using 904L stainless steel, with a satin-brushed finish.
A shared philosophy
Collectively, these two companies have over 330 years of amassed know-how, something that is evident in both firms’ creations. However, while respecting their heritage, they share a resolutely forward-thinking outlook.
Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, commented, “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 now, 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.”
Discreet luxury
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, added: “As Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux strengthen our partnership, the same is happening with our common design ethos, geared towards discreet luxury. 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 Edition, is available to purchase across the world, in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers. priced £14000.00 www.girard-perregaux.com
