Girard-Perregaux harnesses the high-tech Formula 1 technology of Aston Martin for an innovative new timepiece
The best partnerships are those that go beyond sponsorships and logo placements and harness the knowledge of both brands to create innovative new products. Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin are natural collaborators, both pushing forward engineering and performance in their respective fields. Now the duo have come together for a new timepiece, the Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition, which features a number of technical firsts made possible thanks to the expertise achieved by bringing these two names together.
For the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team (AMF1), weight is everything, and the team spends considerable time and resources in making even the most minute reductions on its cars to achieve that first-place finish. Girard-Perregaux has leant on this cutting-edge knowledge of lightweight materials for the 44m case, which is made from a composition of titanium powder and carbon elements seen in two F1 cars used in the 2021 series. The result is not only incredibly durable with a ductility superior to that of steel, but also lends a distinctive look and feel to the watch.
Another high-tech, industry-first feature making its debut in the timepiece is the strap made from the watchmaker’s “GP Rubber Alloy”. This is composed of FKM rubber and carbon elements drawn from F1, requiring a complex process to achieve, and creating a final result offering enhanced suppleness and resistance when compared with conventional rubber. It can also be easily and precisely fitted to the wrist due to a micro-adjustment system. In a fitting touch, it comes in Aston Martin Racing Green, featuring a fabric-effect finish.
Other subtle touches celebrate the partnership further. The dial is adorned with cross hatching, a motif that has its origins in the Aston Martin “AM” badge from 1921. Meanwhile features such as the open-worked design of the hands are a subtle nod to the hollowed-out components seen on sports cars. In a tributary final detail, the watch is limited to 306 pieces, the total distance drivers Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel will aim to cover on race day (52 laps of 5.891km) at the 2022 British Grand Prix.
