Girard-Perregaux is pleased to unveil the Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition, the first time a Laureato has featured a green ceramic case and bracelet. This is the latest collaboration between the Swiss Maison and the British marque, two companies that have designed products that have stood the test of time. While some of the materials used for these new co-branded watches may be ultra-modern, the essence of the inaugural Laureato has been respected. Offered in a choice of two case sizes (42mm and 38mm), each reference is a limited edition and thereby destined to remain a rare sight.

Sleek, contemporary and notably elegant, the design of the Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition encompasses some elements inspired by Aston Martin cars. Powerful engines, sleek contours and light weight construction are virtues synonymous with the British firm’s products. It is this lat- ter trait which encouraged Girard-Perregaux to equip this new model with skeletonised ‘baton’ type hour and minute hands, both light and functional. The watch dial is presented in a cross-hatch design, a diamond-like pattern found on the “AM” logo (1921-1926) as well as the quilted seats found in some of the car marque’s high-performance vehicles.

Some of the finest luxury products are craf- ted with time-served hands. These scarce human skills, often amassed over many years, imbue an item with a distinctive cha- racter and an enduring quality. Such pro- ducts are created free of concessions, using the finest components and they inevitably take an inordinate amount of time to make. Both Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux operate within this rarefied world of excel- lence, constructing rare objects that confer lasting appeal. In 2021, these two prestigious marques entered into a multi-year collabora- tion agreement and have since created a number of limited-edition, co-branded products.

In 1900, a race took place in France, the Gor- don Bennett Cup. Cars would negotiate public roads between Paris and Lyon. Initially, various colours were assigned to cars based on the na- tionality of the driver, however, this would sub- sequently change and eventually the hue of the car’s bodywork was determined by the na- tionality of the racing team. As a result, French cars were presented in blue, Italian cars were red, Belgian cars were yellow, German cars were white/silver and British cars were dressed in green. This latter hue has since graced many British race cars and is now employed on pre- sent-day Aston Martin cars. It therefore see- med logical that a co-branded model should be dressed in green, a colour that evokes thoughts of performance and success.

This latter attribute allows the craftspeople at Girard-Perregaux to finish the ceramic compo- nents with a combination of polished and satin finished surfaces, an endearing characteristic common to all Laureato models.

The green ceramic components are parti- cularly hard, up to seven times harder than steel, delivering incredible scratch resistance, a quality that will ensure the watch retains its showroom-fresh appearance for years to come. Another attribute of the green ceramic compo- nents is that they will never age or fade with the passage of time. Furthermore, ceramic is unaffected by changes in ambient temperature, it’s light, hypoallergenic and proves remarkably smooth, all factors that deliver extraordinary wearer comfort.

Lancée en 1975, la première Laureato possède une lunette octogonale qui repose sur une bague circulaire, elle-même positionnée au-dessus d’un boîtier anguleux de forme tonneau.

Launched in 1975, the first Laureato featured an octagonal bezel that sat atop a circular plinth which in turn was positioned above an angular tonneau-shaped case.

The new Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition respects these timeless elements but employs ultra-modern ceramic for the brace- let and case. This lightweight material com- prises zirconium oxide and metallic oxides (the latter imbues the material with its distinctive green hue). The zirconium oxide selected by Girard-Perregaux is composed of an extremely fine powder, made of micro-beads, each mea- suring mere fractions of a micron in diameter (1 micron (μ) = 0.001mm). By using this specific grade of micro-bead, the structure of the bra- celet and case exhibit a notably homogenous appearance.

The timeless design of the Laureato has attrac- ted the admiration of enlightened commen- tators and watch aficionados alike. Likewise, Aston Martin has repeatedly shown its prowess for sculpting iconic shapes that have never lost their eye-appeal. Whether it’s a DB4 of the ear- ly 60s, a DBS V8 of the 70s or a modern-day Vantage, all models share the same attributes of elegance, quality and performance.

Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, remarked “From the outset, the design of the Laureato was distinctive, yet cohesive. Its styling encompassed geometric, clean-cut lines while exhibiting a slightly gentle charac- ter. Contrasting polished and satin finished surfaces, an ergonomic integrated brace- let 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 evi- dence with the new Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition along with the addition of an interesting, highly contemporary material.”

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda, added: “Our goal was to conceive an advanced luxury product. Patrick and I spent a lot of time talking about the folklore of the Laureato and the design play between shape and proportion of its iconic bezel. When he shared GP’s explo- ration into the optical properties of technical ceramics, micro beads and microns, I became quite enchanted by this idea of the past beco- ming the future. We’re always exploring com- binations of technology, colour, and materials in Aston Martin sports cars to enrich perfor- mance, functionality and owner enjoyment. To- gether we’ve fused these ideas and attributes to generate this cool new Laureato Green Cera- mic Aston Martin Edition”.

Both versions of the Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition are housed in a slender case. The 42mm model is fitted with the Calibre GP01800, while the 38mm version is equipped with the Calibre GP03300. Both in-house movements are self-winding and can be admired though a see- through case-back, personalised with the Aston Martin logo.

Consistent with the Maison’s reputation for making wonderful expressions of Haute Horlogerie, each movement is beautifully appointed. Circular graining features on the main plate, while other components are endowed with bevelling, mirror-polishing, satin finish, snailing, sunray finish and various engravings. The bridges are decorated with straight Côtes de Genève and the oscillating weight is embellished with circular Côtes de Genève. Lastly, the movements have a power reserve of at least 46 hours (38mm) and 54 hours (42mm).

Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive per- formance cars.

Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Ro- bert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclai- med luxury models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS, DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Mar- tin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 56 countries around the world. Its sports cars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales.

Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Mar- tin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown, and the company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc.

2020 saw Lawrence Stroll become the company’s Executive Chairman, alongside significant new investment, a move that led to Aston Martin’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One^™ Team and commenced new era for the iconic British marque.

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 skillfu- lly 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 cen- turies by mastering all the required horolo- gical skills in-house and making watches in- fused 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 inde- pendent collective of high horology Manu- factures.

Reference	:	81005-32-3081-1CX
Limited edition	:	188 pieces, not numbered (one of 188)
Case	:	Green ceramic Polished and satin finished
Diameter	:	38.00 mm
Height	:	10.27 mm
Glass	:	Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case-back	:	Sapphire crystal with whiteAston Martin decal
Dial	:	Sunray green with cross-hatching “Baton” type rhodium-plated indexes with luminescent material (green emission)
Hands	:	Skeletonised “baton” type hour and minute. Luminescent material (white emission) Central second hand with white lacquered tip
Water-resistance	:	100 metres (10 ATM)
Movement	:	Calibre GP03300-2166 Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter	:	25.95 mm (11½’’’)
Hauteur	:	3,36 mm
Frequency	:	28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
Components	:	218
Jewels	:	27
Power reserve	:	Min. 46 hours
Functions	:	Hours, minutes Central seconds date
Bracelet	:	Green ceramic, polished and satin finished
Prices	:	19,300 GBP • 23,800 CHF • 25,000 USD • 25,000 EUR

Reference	:	81005-32-3081-1CX
Limited edition	:	388 pieces, not numbered (one of 388)
Case	:	Green ceramic Polished and satin finished
Diameter	:	42.00 mm
Height	:	11.08 mm
Glass	:	Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case-back	:	Sapphire crystal with whiteAston Martin decal
Dial	:	Sunray green with cross-hatching “Baton” type rhodium-plated indexes with luminescent material (green emission)
Hands	:	Skeletonised “baton” type hour and minute. Luminescent material (white emission) Central second hand with white lacquered tip
Water-resistance	:	100 metres (10 ATM)
Movement	:	Calibre GP01800-2165 Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter	:	30.00 mm (13¼’’’)
Hauteur	:	3,36 mm
Frequency	:	28,800 A/h (4 Hz)
Components	:	191
Jewels	:	28
Power reserve	:	Min. 54 hours
Functions	:	Hours, minutes Central seconds date
Bracelet	:	Green ceramic, polished and satin finished
Prices	:	19,900 GBP • 24,600 CHF • 25,800 USD • 25,900 EUR