It’s not exactly the same as Greubel Forsey using carbon in a new way, but Girard-Perregaux have now introduced a new composite material to their Laureato Absolute collection.

The new Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech’s case is made from a composite which combines carbon fibres and titanium powder using a technique given the name of ‘8Tech’, hence the name. The use of this combination of materials means that the 44mm watch bears their lightness as well as being durable and rigid. Water resistance is 100m.

So – how what is this ‘8Tech’ business?

Thin layers (0.05mm) are created combining unidirectional, non-braided and pre-impregnated carbon fibres with lightweight titanium powder. These layers are then placed on top of one another but with each orientated differently, to form ‘stacks’ which are then cut into octagons. The octagons are placed in a mould and subjected to heat and very high pressure. At the end of this process the case materials are milled and then hand-finished.

The randomness of the layering/ orientation part of the process means that the patterns on the resultant case are randomised and thus, each case slightly different.

The dial is gradient grey, with titanium counters and indices. Its upper layer is sand-blasted and the lower layer is grade 5 titanium – cut-outs on the upper dial mean that the titanium layer is visible as the hour markers. Above each of these hour openings are lumed rectangles. The baton hour and minute hands have grey PVD treated titanium and are also lumed.

Visible through the smoked sapphire crystal case-back is the automatic Calibre GP03300-1058 which beats at 28,800 VPH and has a power reserve of 46 hours. It features a mix of Côtes de Genève, chamfering and straight graining.

The new Laureato 8Tech comes on an integrated black rubber strap with a ‘fabric’ look and grey stitching, continuing the colour scheme of the watch case. It has a black PVD-treated titanium folding buckle with a micro adjustment system.

It will be available from October 2023 with an RRP of CHF 25,500/ EUR 28,200.

[Photo credit: Girard-Perregaux]

Categories: Audemars Piguet, chronograph, Watch Profile, watches