It`s also a premiere: it is the first time a Laureato timepiece features a green ceramic case and bracelet. The latest collaboration between the watchmaker and Aston Martin, the timepiece is available in two case sizes (42mm and 38mm), each reference is a limited edition destined to remain a rare sight.

Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux operate within as rarefied world of excellence, constructing rare objects that confer lasting appeal. Both companies have designed products that have stood the test of time, proving a distinctive character and an enduring quality. Such products are created free of concessions, using the finest components and they inevitably take an inordinate amount of time to make.

Why… green? It seems that back in 1900, there was a race that took place in France, the Gordon Bennett Cup, on public roads between Paris and Lyon. Various colours were assigned to cars based on the nationality of the driver, but in the end, the hue of the car’s bodywork was determined by the nationality of the racing team. French cars were presented in blue, Italian cars were red, Belgian cars were yellow, German cars were white/silver and British cars were dressed in green. British race cars are green since then and the hue is now employed on present-day Aston Martin cars. For the same reason, the co-branded model Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition is dressed in green, a colour that evokes thoughts of performance and success.

The first Laureato – launched in 1975 – featured an octagonal bezel that sat atop a circular plinth which in turn was positioned above an angular tonneau-shaped case. The new one keeps these timeless elements but uses ultra-modern ceramic for the bracelet and case, a lightweight material which comprises zirconium oxide and metallic oxides (the latter imbues the material with its distinctive green hue).

The zirconium oxide selected by Girard-Perregaux is composed of an extremely fine powder, made of micro-beads, each measuring mere fractions of a micron in diameter. By using this specific grade of micro-bead, the structure of the bracelet and case exhibit a notably homogenous appearance. This latter attribute allows the craftspeople at Girard-Perregaux to finish the ceramic components with a combination of polished and satin finished surfaces, an endearing characteristic common to all Laureato models.

Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, remarked “From the outset, the design of the Laureato was distinctive, yet cohesive. Its styling encompassed geometric, clean-cut lines while exhibiting a slightly gentle character. Contrasting polished and satin finished surfaces, an ergonomic integrated bracelet and, of course, as always, an in-house movement… these are the essential ingredients which have made the Laureato a remarkable success. The same ingredients are much in evidence with the new Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition along with the addition of an interesting, highly contemporary material.”

Sleek, contemporary and elegant, the design of the Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition encompasses some elements inspired by Aston Martin cars. Powerful engines, sleek contours and lightweight construction are virtues synonymous with the British firm’s products. It is this latter trait which encouraged Girard-Perregaux to equip this new model with skeletonised ‘baton’ type hour and minute hands, both light and functional. The watch dial is presented in a cross-hatch design, a diamond-like pattern found on the ‘AM’ logo (1921-1926) as well as the quilted seats found in some of the car marque’s high-performance vehicles.

Both versions of the Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition are housed in a slender case. The 42mm model is fitted with the Calibre GP01800, while the 38mm version is equipped with the Calibre GP03300. Both in-house movements are self-winding and can be admired though a see-through case­ back, personalised with the Aston Martin logo. Each movement is beautifully appointed:  circular graining features on the main plate, while other components are endowed with bevelling, mirror-polishing, satin finish, snailing, sunray finish and various engravings. The bridges are decorated with straight Cotes de Geneve and the oscillating weight is embellished with circular Cotes de Geneve. Lastly, the movements have a power reserve of at least 46 hours (38mm) and 54 hours (42mm).

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda, added: “Our goal was to conceive an advanced luxury product. Patrick and I spent a lot of time talking about the folklore of the Laureato and the design play between shape and proportion of its iconic bezel. When he shared GP’s exploration into the optical properties of technical ceramics, micro beads and microns, I became quite enchanted by this idea of the past becoming the future. We’re always exploring combinations of technology, colour, and materials in Aston Martin sports cars to enrich performance, functionality and owner enjoyment. Together we’ve fused these ideas and attributes to generate this cool new Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition”.

The Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition (42 mm & 38 mm) will go on sale in June 2023 and will be available worldwide in selected Girard-Perregaux retailers.