Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade: Made of sapphire crystal and weighing just 85g

Since the launch of its first version in 1975, the Laureato has masterfully combined contrasting features with exceptional effect. The Laureato Absolute Light & Shade, housed in a metallised sapphire crystal case, combines lines and curves, modernity and tradition, beauty and function.

History of the Laureato

　The first version of the Laureato, introduced by Girard-Perregaux in 1975, skillfully combined different shapes to create a unique harmony that looked great with both a three-piece suit and casual attire. Over the years, Girard-Perregaux has incorporated new complications, experimented with different materials and colors, yet the Laureato has remained consistently and instantly recognizable, with a timeless look.

Laureato Absolute

　In 2019, Girard-Perregaux introduced the Laureato Absolute. A bold reinterpretation of the 1975 model, the watch retained many of the Laureato's iconic design features, such as the legendary octagonal bezel mounted on a circular ring. However, the Laureato Absolute also incorporated an integrated rubber strap and introduced a number of equally sophisticated changes, ultimately enhancing the Laureato collection's contemporary look.

Laureato Absolute Light & Shade

　Now, Girard-Perregaux has announced the new Laureato Absolute Light & Shade.

This model combines Girard-Perregaux's accumulated watchmaking know-how and extensive expertise in innovative materials. The latest model's 44mm case is crafted from metallized sapphire crystal, which lends the watch an appealing brilliance. Its light appearance and transparency, combined with its dark, reflective appearance, are only made possible by its low mass of just 85g. This construction gives the watch a coexistence of contrasting features, making it a truly unique expression of contemporary watchmaking.

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Cutting-edge case, respect for traditional craftsmanship

　To create the watch's sapphire crystal case, sapphire had to be grown into a spherical shape using a process known as the Kyropoulos method, a time-consuming process that takes up to eight weeks to transform alumina powder into a solid block of sapphire crystal.

　The block is then cut into small discs which are then expertly machined to form the bezel, middle case and case back. Once this process is complete, each part is heat treated and then polished. The parts are then meticulously inspected to ensure that only those free of inclusions meet the required specifications.

　The sapphire crystal parts are then subjected to a metallization process, which involves applying a surface treatment to the parts in a vacuum, ultimately achieving the smoky appearance. Creating this sapphire crystal case requires 170 hours of complex work.

A fusion of beauty and functionality

　The new Laureato Absolute Light & Shade reveals its movement to magnificent effect through a sapphire crystal case. The in-house caliber GP01800-1143 features an octagonal mainplate, echoing the famous Laureato bezel. The skeletonized movement reveals numerous normally hidden components, offering a captivating view of lines and curves, enhanced by areas of light and shade. The barrel is also openworked, revealing the mainspring under varying degrees of tension. The mesmerizing dance of the balance wheel as it oscillates back and forth is also on display.

　The gold rotor is also openworked, revealing the bridges beneath. In keeping with Girard-Perregaux's reputation for exquisite finishing, the NAC-treated bridges and baseplate feature sandblasted, finely brushed, circular satin-brushed and chamfered finishes, with no fewer than 55 internal corners hand-polished.

快適な着け心地

　Two black PVD-coated titanium lugs are integrated into the case, uniting the watch body with the black rubber strap, an arrangement that not only gives it a contemporary look, but also ensures the strap fits optimally to the wrist, making it extremely comfortable to wear.
The lugs have a satin-finished surface and polished corners. The strap is made of FKM rubber, which is more flexible and resistant than conventional rubber. A fabric-like pattern is also incorporated to further enhance the strap's visual appeal. The buckle is equipped with a micro-adjustment system, allowing for precise adjustment of the strap's fit on the wrist. The crown is made of PVD-treated titanium with a polished and sandblasted finish to match the appearance of the lugs.

Characteristics of the Caliber GP01800

　The caliber GP01800-1143 is packed with sophisticated ingenuity throughout, including its free-sprung balance. Most watches feature a regulator, which changes the effective length of the hairspring to speed up or slow down the movement. In contrast, a free-sprung balance uses a fixed-length hairspring; instead, the movement is altered by adjusting weights attached to the spokes of the balance wheel. This mechanism offers greater stability and shock resistance.