New: Girard-Perregaux Aston Martin Laureato Ceramic

October 22, 2014

The Aston Martin Formula One team has turned it around for the 2023 season. The F1 car is operating at a consistent pace, only surpassed by current champions, Oracle Red Bull Racing. Thats also considering that one of its drivers, Lance Stroll, broke his wrists two weeks before the inaugural race, and the other driver, Fernando Alonso is now in his forties. Maintaining a fitness and focus level this far into an F1 career is a challenge, but Alonso still managed a podium position at the first race in Bahrain. This upward spike in popularity and support for the Aston Martin F1 team has undoubtedly raised the profile of its timekeeping sponsor Girard-Perregaux. To kick the season off, GP unveiled new Laureato models with a full-ceramic bracelet and case in 38mm and 42mm diameters.This year marks Girard-Perregauxs third consecutive season as a timekeeping sponsor for the Aston Martin Formula One team. Coincidentally, its also Aston Martins third year competing in the top echelon of motorsports. However, the team has been around since the 90s, initially under the Jordan Grand Prix marque. The team still bases itself trackside at Silverstone, Britains famous race circuit. But rebranding to Aston Martin provides a cachet to the team thanks to the prestige and heritage of Aston Martins road cars. With the performance gains over the winter break, Aston Martin looks particularly punchy if testing and the first race are anything to go by, so Girard-Perregaux is keen to showcase its new Laureato Green Ceramic.Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston MartinThis is the first time that Girard-Perregaux has used the Laureato three-hander for an Aston Martin collaboration. Previously, GP unleashed its iconic Three Bridges model, limited to 18 pieces, which was perhaps too high-end for the partnership. During its launch, I even stated, Thats why with the announcement that Girard-Perregaux was striking a deal with Aston Martin, my mind immediately conjured the sporty?Laureato. GP soon followed the Three Bridges with two Laureato timepieces, the Chronograph?and Absolute Chronograph editions. Both watches feature the Aston Martin signature cross-hatch across the dial, seen on the seat stitching of classic Aston Martin cars. The same goes for the new Laureato with an entirely ceramic green case and bracelet.GP chose ceramic as the material is very long-lasting and scratch resistant. Ceramic is also lightweight and used in motorsports as brake discs due to the high-temperature tolerances. Despite the delicacy of machining the material, GP still applies distinct finishes, from satin brushing on the top surfaces to polishing the edges and accents. Achieving the trademark British racing green was another challenge, which GP workshopped through various metal oxides to accomplish the specific hue. The color symbolizes Britains racing pedigree and is part of Aston Martins heritage. The story of the British racing green began at the birth of motor racing. Typically, nations raced in their flag colors, but motor racing was illegal in England. The English instead went to Ireland to go racing. Once the ban was lifted, the green became a symbol of gratitude to Irelands emerald isle.More details and thoughtsAnother nod to Aston Martins branding is the subtly integrated side-strike on the central seconds counterbalance. This grille is a crucial detail from the DB4, DB5, and DB6 classic cars to modern-day vehicles. The Laureato is considered the hero watch of Girard-Perregaux, and forming an all-green ceramic Aston Martin edition solidifies the partnership between the icons of each industry. Whether green is your thing or not, the execution across the length of the watch showcases the dual branding most overtly thus far. While the F1 team appears prominently in the marketing thanks to its emerging performance, the watch celebrates Aston Martin, including the automotive division. Its also great to see Girard-Perregaux satisfying all wrist sizes with a 38mm and 42mm option.The limitation of 388 pieces for the 42mm version is slightly higher than that of 38mm model due to the more considerable popularity. But dont sleep on the latter, which is a very wearable size and even more limited at 188?pieces. The 42mm version uses the manufacture GP01800 movement, which is visible via the sapphire case back with Aston Martins logo laser-etched onto the glass. The oscillating rotor provides automatic winding, with the caliber operating at 28,800vph and offering 54 hours of power reserve. The 38mm uses caliber GP03300 with a slightly lower reserve at 46 hours but the same beat frequency. Pricing for the 42mm model is $19,900 / CHF 24,600 / $25,900 / $25,800, while the 38mm variant will be $19,300 / CHF 23,800 / $25,000 / $25,000. You can read more about this new launch on Girard-Perregaux s website. Watch specifications Brand Girard-Perregaux Model Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin EditionReference 42mm: 81010-32-3081-1CX | 38mm: 81005-32-3080-1CX Dial Sunray green with cross-hatchingCase Material Green ceramic, polished and satin finishedCase Dimensions 42mm 11.08mm | 38mm 10.27mmCrystal Anti-reflective sapphire crystalCase Back Sapphire crystal with Aston Martin decal Movement 42mm: GP01800-2165 | 38mm: GP03300-2166Water Resistance 100 metersStrap Green ceramic, polished and satin finishedFunctions Time and datePrice 42mm: $19,900 / CHF 24,600 / $25,900 / $25,800 | 38mm: $19,300 / CHF 23,800 / $25,000 / $25,000 Special Note(s) 42mm: Limited to 388 pieces | 38mm: Limited to 188 pieces