The Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition is a collaboration between Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin, showcasing a blend of automotive design and horological craftsmanship. Its iridescent green dial features chronograph counters and skeletonized hands. The watch is powered by the GP03300 calibre movement and housed in a lightweight Grade 5 titanium case, emphasizing performance and aesthetic harmony.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition
The Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition represents the collaborative effort between Swiss watch manufacturer Girard-Perregaux and British luxury car marque Aston Martin. This timepiece is the latest expression of the Laureato line, initially launched in 1975, and showcases a fusion of automotive design cues with horological craftsmanship. This analysis will explore the watch’s key features, encompassing the dial, movement, case, and overall design.
The dial of the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition is finished in an iridescent shade of green, achieved through a meticulous process involving the application of automotive paint. This production method encompasses 14 individual manufacturing steps, including the application of 15 ultra-thin layers of paint. The multi-layered paint is then subjected to two cooking cycles to achieve the desired depth of colour and iridescence. The dial subtly transitions in appearance from green to orange depending on the angle of incidence of light. The dial features three snailed counters for the chronograph function: a 30-minute register, a 12-hour register, and a small seconds display. The hour and minute hands are skeletonised, drawing inspiration from the front grille design of Aston Martin vehicles. Both the hands and baton-style indices are treated with grey-toned Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) and filled with white luminescent material, emitting a green glow in low-light conditions. A date window is positioned between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers.
At the heart of the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition resides the in-house manufactured GP03300 calibre. This self-winding mechanical movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and comprises 419 individual components, including 63 jewels. The movement provides a minimum power reserve of 46 hours. Visible through a sapphire crystal case back bearing the Aston Martin logo, the movement showcases a variety of refined finishes, including straight Côtes de Genève on the bridges, bevelling, mirror-polished screws, circular graining on the main plate, and engraved gilded text. The oscillating weight is adorned with a circular Côtes de Genève motif.
The case of the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition is constructed from Grade 5 titanium, a material selected for its lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant properties. The case measures 42.00 mm in diameter and 12.16 mm in height. The combination of polished and satin-finished surfaces is consistent with the Laureato design tradition. The sapphire crystal over the dial is treated with an anti-reflective coating. The case back, also fashioned from sapphire crystal, allows for viewing of the movement. The watch is water-resistant to 100 metres (10 ATM).
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition constitutes a collaborative venture, blending automotive-inspired aesthetics with Swiss horological expertise. The watch integrates design elements, such as the green dial and skeletonised hands, with a high-performance titanium case and a finely finished in-house movement. The Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition aims to provide a synthesis of design and mechanical execution. Price: USD 22,700 / 23’900 € / £19,300 / CN¥185,000 / HK$178,000 / ¥3,190,000
