The Laureato Ghost, the first collaboration watch between Girard-Perregaux and Bamford, shines like a pearl.

Girard-Perregaux revived the Laureato, a luxury sports watch first introduced in 1975, in 2016. Since then, the brand has offered a variety of timepieces that combine classic and bold styles, from the Laureato Absolute Rock concept model using carbon glass to the Laureato Absolute Passion, which features a black exterior with red accents inspired by car festivals. In 2020, the collection saw the addition of the first collaboration model between Girard-Perregaux and Bamford Watch Department, a British company specializing in customizing watches. This time, we will introduce the Laureato Ghost, of which only 45 pieces will be sold worldwide.

Laureato Ghost

　The unisex 38mm Laureato Ghost case is crafted from pearlescent white ceramic. This marks the first time for both Girard-Perregaux and Bamford Watch Department (hereafter Bamford) to use white ceramic. Lighter than titanium, ceramic is known for its scratch and stain resistance and hypoallergenic properties. According to Girard-Perregaux, the grade of ceramic used in this model was "specially selected for its fully vitrified surface and uniform, lustrous appearance." While this article focuses on the calf leather strap model, the Laureato Ghost is also available with a white ceramic bracelet made from the same material as the case (priced at 178 million yen, excluding tax).

　As before, the watch features a round case topped by an octagonal bezel, a design signature of the Laureato since 1975. The case and dial also feature other attractive details. The crown is crafted from black PVD-coated titanium and features a raised "GP" logo. The dial features a white Clous de Paris pattern, another hallmark of the current Laureato line, and the hands and indices are baton-shaped. The edges of the hands and hour markers, as well as the minute track around the dial's periphery, are contrastingly black. The hands and indices are coated with luminous material, and the counterweight of the central sweep seconds hand features a black and white striped "zebra" motif. The date is displayed in an aperture at 3 o'clock.

　The sapphire crystal case back allows viewing of Girard-Perregaux's in-house caliber GP03300-0139. The automatic rotor is decorated with Côtes de Genève and circular graining. The white ceramic case is paired with a white calfskin leather strap with black stitching or a white ceramic bracelet. Both were sold exclusively at Dover Street Market and Harrods in the UK for a limited period of one month from November 2020, and are now available worldwide through authorized Girard-Perregaux retailers.

　Bamford has created many black-colored watches, including a collaboration with TAG Heuer's Monaco. "We love black and are known for our black watches, but this time we wanted to push the boundaries by designing a white watch. Whenever we collaborate with others, we look for synergies that allow each of us to create something that we probably wouldn't create on our own," said Bamford founder George Bamford. Girard-Perregaux CEO Patrick Pruniaux added, "In this first collaboration between Girard-Perregaux and Bamford, we have joined forces to create a new era of creation. The Laureato Ghost respects the spirit of the Laureato, yet looks new, fresh, and original. Above all, this is a Ghost that needn't be afraid."