La Chaux-de-Fonds, 17 May 2021 – Girard-Perregaux is releasing a new timepiece, endowed with a forged carbon dial, created exclusively for the Chinese market. The advent of this model, the Laureato Absolute Infrared, marks an interesting time for the Manufacture. Indeed, this year, coinciding with Girard-Perregaux’s 230-year anniversary, will see the opening of a new boutique in China, a first for the brand. Consistent with other Absolute models, the new Laureato Absolute Infrared features contemporary materials. In this instance, the 44 mm case is formed of Grade 5 titanium dressed with a PVD treatment and paired with a distinctive forged carbon dial with prominent red accents. Lastly, despite its avant-garde appearance, the watch is fitted with a Manufacture movement, drawing on the brand’s vast watchmaking expertise.

Girard-Perregaux has a long history of supplying the Asian market, dating back over 160 years when François Perregaux, the brother-in-law of Constant Girard, one of the Maison’s founders, lived and worked within the region. China has always been a dynamic market and of huge significance to the Maison. A few months ago, the brand released the Quasar Infrared made exclusively for the Chinese market. Now, it returns with a new model, the Laureato Absolute Infrared, again produced exclusively for mainland China. Later this year, Girard-Perregaux will open a boutique in China, a first for the company and a further demonstration of its commitment to this important region.

The Laureato Absolute Infrared is housed in a 44 mm, Grade 5 titanium case suffused with PVD. Titanium was selected for the case as it is lightweight, augmenting wearer comfort, while the PVD treatment endows the model with a sublime stealthy appearance. Despite its modernity, the case also showcases matchless traditional craftsmanship with polished and satin finishes skilfully applied throughout. The model has an octagonal bezel, a design feature first seen on the legendary Laureato of 1975 and a characteristic that continues to proffer much eye-appeal.

The dial of this latest creation is made from forged carbon, an ultra-modern material that is produced using a time-consuming process. Everything starts with carbon fibre thread, cut into lengths, precisely weighed and placed in a mould. Liquid resin is added to a the strands of carbon fibre and thereafter subjected to heat and pressure. The resultant material is then milled to the desired shape and thickness to form a strong and light dial. Owing to the random alignment of the carbon fibre strands, each dial has its own unique appearance.

Baton-style hour and minutes hands, enlivened with red tips, collaborate with bold red indexes to enunciate the prevailing time. Unlike other Laureato Absolute models, the new Infrared version eschews a sandwich dial construction, presenting the technical forged carbon epidermis as a captivating canvas of randomly aligned patterns. The indexes are not affixed to the dial in a conventional way, but emanate from the flange, angled downwards towards the fulcrum of the dial. A lithe central sweep seconds hand glides over the minute track, presented on the flange, and the date is shown at 6 o’clock. Similar to a painting by an Old Master, the dial of the Laureato Absolute Infrared is endowed with becoming textures and depths.

At the heart of the Laureato Absolute Infrared is Manufacture movement, the self-winding Calibre GP0330-1060. It is comprised of 218 components, all produced to Girard-Perregaux’s exacting standards

The watch is presented on a black rubber strap which incorporates red stitching. The strap is integrated into the case delivering an impressive ergonomic relationship with the wearer’s wrist. A folding buckle with a micro adjustment system provides the owner with the means to fine tune the strap size, delivering the optimum fit. The buckle, like the case, is formed of titanium with PVD treatment, contributing to the model’s harmonious aesthetic.

The Laureato Absolute Infrared, limited to 88 pieces, is available in Girard-Perregaux official retailers across Greater China from June 2021.

Founded in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest fine watchmaking manufactures still in operation . This year, the company celebrates its 230^th anniversary, a fitting testament to the brand’s watchmaking expertise, appreciated by those “in the know”. Indeed, the firm’s history is dotted with exceptional creations that skilfully 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 centuries by mastering all the required horological skills in-house and making watches infused 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.

Girard-Perregaux is part of the Kering Group, a world leader in luxury apparel.