A partnership between a legacy watchmaker and a high-performance automotive marque often results in a product that aims to capture the spirit of both entities. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition is a direct product of this philosophy, merging the mechanical intricacies of Swiss watchmaking with the design ethos of the British car manufacturer. This timepiece is not merely a co-branded object but a carefully considered synthesis of material science, mechanical engineering, and a shared aesthetic vision. It represents a dialogue where the language spoken is one of precision, power, and structural artistry, culminating in a watch that is as much a mechanical sculpture as it is a time-telling instrument.
Girard-Perregaux's story begins in 1791, establishing a horological foundation built on innovation and craftsmanship. Over its more than 230-year history, the Manufacture has been responsible for significant advancements in watchmaking. It was a pioneer in establishing the concept of an integrated manufacture, bringing all aspects of watch creation under one roof long before it was an industry standard. This holistic approach allowed for groundbreaking developments, such as the legendary Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges presented in 1867, a movement architecture so visually distinctive that it transformed a technical element into a primary design feature. This spirit of innovation continued into the 20th century with developments like the high-frequency movement of 1965, which beat at 36,000 vibrations per hour for greater precision, and its instrumental role in setting the universal frequency for quartz movements at 32,768 Hz in 1971.
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This deep-seated expertise in movement creation is matched by a keen sense for design. The brand’s portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on form and structure, where aesthetics are not an afterthought but an integral part of the mechanical conception. This is perhaps best exemplified by the Laureato collection. When it was first introduced in 1975, its design was a bold statement, characterized by an octagonal bezel sitting atop a circular plinth, flowing seamlessly into an integrated bracelet. This unique geometry, partly inspired by the 14-sided bezel of the brand's 1969 Deep Diver, created a powerful visual identity that has been the foundation of the collection ever since, evolving through the decades to house new complications while retaining its core DNA.
On the other side of this collaboration stands Aston Martin, a name that evokes images of performance, luxury, and distinctly British style. Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, the company has cultivated a reputation for creating cars that are as beautiful as they are powerful. Aston Martin’s design language is one of proportion and flowing lines, a "golden ratio" that makes its vehicles instantly recognizable. From the iconic DB series to modern hypercars like the Valkyrie, each creation is a study in sculptural form and aerodynamic efficiency. The brand’s deep connection to motorsport, including its current presence in Formula One, underscores a relentless pursuit of performance and engineering excellence that parallels the precision required in Haute Horlogerie.
The collaboration between Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin is therefore built on a shared foundation. As Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, noted, the challenge is to maintain excellence in proportion and performance, resulting in a recognizable and distinctive language. This sentiment is echoed by Girard-Perregaux, which sees a parallel in the pure design codes that remain consistent over time for both brands. This new Laureato edition is a tangible result of that shared philosophy, an attempt to translate the structural and material sophistication of an Aston Martin supercar into the micro-mechanical world of a wristwatch.
The case of the Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition is a primary expression of this collaborative spirit. Measuring 42 mm in diameter and 11.13 mm in thickness, its familiar shape is rendered in a material chosen for its high-performance characteristics: black ceramic. This advanced material is approximately seven times harder than steel, offering exceptional resistance to scratches and daily wear. Beyond its durability, ceramic is significantly lighter than metal, contributing to the comfort of the watch on the wrist. It is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for all wearers. The choice of ceramic provides a deep, matte black canvas that serves as a dramatic backdrop for the watch's other features.
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The finishing on the case demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail. The iconic octagonal bezel is adorned with a circular satin finish, which creates a subtle, radiating pattern that contrasts with the horizontal satin finishing applied to the main body of the case. This interplay of textures catches the light in different ways, highlighting the geometric complexity of the Laureato design. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the front, ensuring a clear view of the mechanics within, while another sapphire crystal on the case-back offers a second vantage point into the movement. With a water resistance of 100 meters, the watch maintains a practical level of robustness for everyday use.
A defining feature of this timepiece is its complete lack of a traditional dial. The design opts for maximum transparency, offering an unobstructed view directly into the heart of the movement. In place of a solid dial, a floating chapter ring holds the suspended hour markers. These markers, along with the skeletonized "baton" style hands, are treated with a green PVD coating that vividly recalls Aston Martin's iconic Racing Green. This specific color is not merely a superficial nod; it is an integral part of the watch’s visual identity, providing a sharp, technical-looking contrast against the dark, anthracite-treated movement components. In low-light conditions, these elements emit a corresponding green luminescence for readability.
This open-worked approach transforms the timepiece into a kinetic sculpture. Every component of the movement is on display, allowing the wearer to observe the intricate choreography of gears, levers, and springs. The eye is drawn into a mechanical labyrinth, a landscape of bridges and wheels that Girard-Perregaux describes as being worked like a metal net. This structural openness was a deliberate design choice, intended to mirror the way an enthusiast might appreciate the exposed engine of a high-performance car.
Discreetly positioned at the 10 o'clock position is a small seconds display. It too is skeletonized, carried directly by the seconds wheel, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into the overall open-worked aesthetic without cluttering the view. Its constant, sweeping motion adds another layer of animation to the already dynamic face of the watch. The placement is unconventional yet balanced, a small detail that speaks to the thoughtful composition of the entire piece.
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At the core of the Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition beats the Calibre GP01800, a self-winding mechanical movement developed and manufactured in-house by Girard-Perregaux. This calibre is a skeletonized version of the brand's reliable and well-regarded GP01800 base movement. The mainplate and bridges have undergone a galvanic treatment, coating them in anthracite gray ruthenium with a black PVD finish. This dark, uniform surface makes the rhodium-plated geartrain stand out, allowing the eye to trace the flow of energy from the mainspring barrel through the wheels to the escapement.
The level of hand-finishing on the movement is a testament to the traditions of Haute Horlogerie. The architecture features an impressive 55 hand-polished internal angles, a detail that requires immense skill and time to execute and is a hallmark of a high-end calibre. The surfaces are decorated with four distinct finishing techniques: bevelling (or chamfering) to create polished angles, sandblasting for a fine-grained matte texture, traits-tirés for a fine-lined satin finish, and circular graining. These varied finishes create a rich tapestry of textures that can be appreciated under magnification.
The technical specifications of the movement are equally impressive. It measures 30 mm in diameter and a relatively slim 4.16 mm in height, allowing for the watch's wearable proportions. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, a modern standard that balances precision with durability. The movement is composed of 173 individual parts, including 25 jewels that reduce friction at critical pivot points.
One of the most captivating elements visible through the open-worked structure is the regulating organ. This consists of a large, variable inertia balance wheel, which is a more advanced and stable method of regulation compared to a standard index regulator. By adjusting small weights on the balance wheel itself rather than changing the effective length of the hairspring, the watchmaker can achieve a more precise and durable rate. Watching the rapid oscillations of this component is one of the primary visual pleasures of a skeleton watch.
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Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire crystal case-back, providing an alternative but equally engaging view of the Calibre GP01800. This rear view is distinguished by the presence of a metallized Aston Martin logo, a subtle but clear affirmation of the partnership. The most prominent feature here is the oscillating weight, or rotor, which is responsible for automatically winding the mainspring as the wearer moves their wrist.
The rotor itself is a piece of art. It is crafted from solid pink gold but has been given a green PVD treatment to match the hands and indexes on the front. More importantly, the rotor is also extensively skeletonized. This is not just an aesthetic choice; it serves a functional purpose within the context of a skeleton watch. By removing excess material, the rotor allows more light to pass through to the movement below and obstructs less of the view, further enhancing the sense of depth and architectural complexity.
The integrated bracelet is an inseparable part of the Laureato's identity, and this edition honors that tradition. It is crafted from the same black ceramic as the case, ensuring a seamless and cohesive look from end to end. The design of the links, with their wide, H-shaped profile and smaller, polished central links, is a signature of the collection. The bracelet features a combination of satin and polished finishes, a complex task on a material as hard as ceramic. This alternating texture allows the bracelet to play with light, giving it a visual dynamism that belies its monochromatic color scheme. The bracelet fastens with a triple-folding buckle, also made from black ceramic, which provides a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
The complete package is a study in contrasts. It is dark and monochromatic, yet punctuated by flashes of vibrant Aston Martin Racing Green. It is geometrically bold and angular, yet its surfaces are finished with a softness that invites the touch. It is mechanically complex, yet the open-worked design presents this complexity with clarity and a sense of architectural order. The lightweight nature of the full ceramic construction ensures that despite its 42mm diameter, the watch is comfortable for extended wear, a fusion of substantial presence and practical ergonomics.
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The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition is a strictly limited offering, with production capped at just 88 pieces worldwide. This number further enhances its exclusive nature, making it a rare object for collectors of both high-end timepieces and performance automobiles.
The reference number for this model is 81015-32-3538-32a. It is available through authorized Girard-Perregaux retailers across the globe. The suggested retail price for this intricate fusion of horological art and automotive design is set at $54,300 USD, reflecting the advanced materials, extensive hand-finishing, and the exclusive, limited nature of the collaboration.
Case: Black ceramic, 42 mm diameter, 11.13 mm thickness. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal front and sapphire crystal case-back with Aston Martin logo. Water resistance of 100 meters.
Movement: Calibre GP01800 self-winding mechanical. 30 mm diameter, 4.16 mm height, 54-hour minimum power reserve. Operates at 4 Hz (28,800 Vib/h) with 173 parts and 25 jewels. Features a green PVD-treated pink gold oscillating weight.
Dial: No dial, open-worked design. Ring with green PVD-treated suspended indexes with green luminescent material. Skeletonized baton-style hands with green PVD treatment and luminescence. Small seconds at 10 o'clock.
Strap: Integrated bracelet made from black ceramic with a ceramic triple-folding buckle.
Price: $54,300 USD
Reference Number: 81015-32-3538-32a
Notes: Limited to 88 pieces. The green colorway is inspired by Aston Martin Racing Green. The case and bracelet material is seven times harder than steel and highly scratch-resistant.