Carbon and titanium

This year, the brand continues down that path and debuts the Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech, which is immediately striking with the carbon-titanium case that sports an organic, rugged pattern.

The making of the patterned case involves several steps. First, carbon fibre is impregnated with resin to create an organic pattern of patches. These pre-impregnated sheets are then mixed with titanium powder, before being layered in various directions to form a solid block, a process that naturally requires high heat and pressure. Finally, the solid blocks are cut into the precise octagonal shape of the Laureato case. As with a typical carbon composite case, the Laureato weighs just a fraction of a typical steel watch, making it perfect for sports occasions both in terms of feel and look.

A minimalist dial

Most interesting of the dial are the triple registers. They have been made to appear smaller, as the outer ring of these registers is coloured black just like the dial, while the inner part of the registers is painted in grey to stand out. From far, they look like triple tiny registers, which bring to mind early sports chronographs with their smaller registers. This leaves the watch with a sense of nostalgia and elegance, and is a good balance for the hyper-complicated looking case.

Aside from the registers, the dial is also handsome. It is painted in gradient grey that darkens to black towards the edge, instead of plain grey or black, giving the watch an added sense of visual depth. In fact, the hour markers are even more three-dimensional. They are cut out to reveal another plate underneath that’s coated with luminescent material, meaning it’s a twin-layer construction that’s better known as a “sandwich” construction.

An automatic movement

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech Specs and Price