Leading Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux has paid homage to the enduring legacy of British motor racing with the new Green Ceramic Laureato Aston Martin Edition. Made in collaboration with the luxury car maker and Formula 1 team, it is the first time a Laureato model has featured a green case, strap and dial.
Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin first teamed up in 2021 and have already produced four watches. The most striking of these was the debut Tourbillon with Three Bridges, which was limited to just 18 pieces and priced at $146,000.
This latest innovation, while still technically challenging, will be a little more accessible. A 42mm edition will be limited to 388 pieces and priced at $25,800 while a 38mm edition will be limited to 188 and priced at $25,000. Interested parties should still expect demand to outstrip supply.
[See also: Aston Martin COO Michael Straughan on Racing Green]
Green ceramic
The watch’s color is based on the same color as Aston Martin’s Formula 1 car, which in turn dates back to the very origins of motor racing. A motor race in 1900 featured cars from France, Italy, Belgium, Germany and the UK. The British cars were dressed in dark green, which to this day symbolizes high performance and success on the track.
Then there was the material. The very best ceramic components are incredibly strong and scratch-resistant. Girard-Perregaux sourced the highest quality zirconium oxide (a fine powder made of micro-beads measuring less than 0.01mm) to ensure the watch case and strap keep their shine long into the future.
Related
The resulting ceramic is seven times stronger than steel and its striking color will not fade with the passage of time, meaning the pieces should look as they do now when they are handed down to the next generation.
The 1970s appeal
Girard-Perregaux launched the first Laureato in 1975 and the same octagonal bezel has been a lasting feature ever since. It is a timeless design, much like Aston Martin’s iconic models. The green ceramic not only brings its most modern cars to mind (the DBS 770 in dark green is a marvel of modern design) but also the 1971 DBS V8, which with its clean-cut lines, is reminiscent of the Laureato.
Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, said: “From the outset, the design of the Laureato was distinctive, yet cohesive. Its styling encompassed geometric, clean-cut lines while exhibiting a slightly gentle character.
Content from our partners
“Contrasting polished and satin finished surfaces, an ergonomic integrated bracelet and, of course, as always, an in-house movement… these are the essential ingredients which have made the Laureato a remarkable success. The same ingredients are much in evidence with the new Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition along with the addition of an interesting, highly contemporary material.”
[See also: Behind the Scenes with Vacheron Constantin]
The cross-hatched watch dial takes its inspiration from the Aston Martin logo while the hour and minute hands have been skeletonized to symbolize lightness.
Inside, both the 42mm and 38mm have in-house automatic movements that can be admired through a see-through case-back with only an Aston Martin logo blocking the view. The movements have a power reserve of 54 hours (42mm) and 46 hours (38mm) respectively.
The Girard-Perregaux Green Ceramic Laureato Aston Martin Edition will go on sale in June 2023 and will be available worldwide.
