Girard-Perregaux continues its partnership with Aston Martin with a Laureato in handsome racing green
British patriotism might be all about red, white and blue but when it comes to motorsports traditionally another colour was used to denote the country’s presence – what is now known as racing green. It traces its origins back to the Gordon Bennett Cup, where each nation chose a colour from its national flag to adorn their vehicles. When Britain entered in 1902, the aforementioned hues were already commandeered (by America, Germany and France), opting instead to pay tribute to its Irish hosts with shamrock green.
The sophisticated shade has now become a trademark of Aston Martin, the storied marque continuing to represent some of the finest of Britain’s automobile engineering and craftsmanship. This year, the company announced its partnership with watchmaker Girard-Perregaux, with the duo’s latest collaboration a high-tech take on the distinctive Laureato watch decked out in the iconic colour.
The motoring influence extends far beyond the watch’s bold paint job. The dial features a cross-hatched, diamond-shaped pattern that echoes the angular form of the carmaker’s early logo from the 1920s, while also drawing from the quilted seats found in the brand’s sportscars. Similarly delving into the archives is the central chronograph seconds hand, featuring a counterweight resembling the side strikes seen on the 1958 Aston Martin DB4.
Such high-performance inspiration requires the technical timekeeping to match, here in the form of the precise Calibre GP03300-0141. This is the first time a Laureato chronograph has featured an open case back allowing for an unfettered view of the movement, impeccably finished with Côtes de Genève decoration. Keeping it well protected is the 42mm case, constructed from 904L stainless steel chosen for its superior corrosion and scratch resistance compared to its traditional counterpart.
