The best partnerships are those that come about organically. This was certainly the case for Girard-Perregaux and Bamford Watch Department (BWD), the personalisation specialists founded by the enigmatic George Bamford who have sought to challenge the traditional notions and aesthetics of the watchmaking industry. At the start of the year, the two came together to create a special customisation offer for the watchmaker’s striking Cat’s Eye women’s timepiece, inspired by a special request from a BWD client. Their latest collaboration has looked to one of Girard-Perregaux’s most iconic pieces, the Laureato, for a special limited-edition unisex design.

‘In the watch industry, sometimes we tend to be obsessed with the mechanical part of the watch, which is so important, especially when you’re a manufacture like Girard-Perregaux and you carry so much history,’ explains Girard-Perregaux CEO Patrick Pruniaux. ‘But on the other hand, you’re also trying to open your mind, and someone like George does it far beyond the watch industry. He brings a different light on what a luxury timepiece product is, and he does it with a lot of respect and passion for the watch, while on the other hand being extremely contemporary. And in that respect, he brought back exactly the spirit of the Laureato when it was created for the first time 45 years ago.’

The new Laureato Ghost certainly celebrates the sporty timepiece’s landmark birthday in style. It’s instantly recognisable thanks to its signature silhouette, matching a circular case with an octagonal bezel, expressed here in a modern 38mm size in eye-catching white ceramic. While the DNA of Girard-Perregaux comes through strongly, the watch marks something of a departure for both the watchmaker and BWD, the latter of which is most known for its darker designs. ‘This all happened in the craziest year, and it took the ambition of Patrick, but it also took the design and engineering teams at Girard Perregaux, to really create this ultimate crossover of a watch for me,’ says Bamford. ‘It is opposite to my business. My business is all black… But I wanted something that would pop off the wrist, that would be different, but with a nod to the black.’

With the watch, limited to just 45 pieces, the beauty is in the details. The angular case features a delicate mix of satin and polished finishing that lends it a lustrous appearance, a complex process to achieve and requiring the highest quality of ceramic. This is contrasted with monochromatic detailing including the crown, made from titanium with black PVD, with further black accents across the hands and minute flange. Turn the watch over to see the in-house Calibre GP03300-0139 in action, similarly finished with exacting attention to detail, including traditional Côtes de Genève patterning, circular graining, bevelling, engraving and snailing. As Bamford puts it, ‘I describe this watch as hidden delights, and the more you look at it the more these delights come alive.’

girard-perregaux.com; bamfordwatchdepartment.com