From JustLuxe content partner iW Magazine
Girard-Perregaux updates its Laureato Absolute collection with the Laureato Absolute 8Tech, a watch built with an unusual, lightweight 44mm carbon-titanium case.
![](http://cdn.justluxe.com/articles/galleries/127825.jpg)
The watch, presented during Geneva Watch Days, is the newest in the collection that emphasizes high-tech materials to create contemporary models within the original Laureato line. Laureato is the watchmaker’s pioneering luxury collection that in 1975 was among the first to combine an eight-sided steel case with an integrated steel bracelet.
![](http://cdn.justluxe.com/articles/galleries/127826.jpg)
Since Girard-Perregaux debuted its Laureato Absolute collection (in 2019) we’ve seen models built with materials such as metalized sapphire crystal, carbon glass, and a rubber alloy.
In the case of the new Absolute 8Tech, the watchmaker starts with carbon fibers and combines them with lightweight titanium powder to form extremely thin (0.05mm) layers.
![](http://cdn.justluxe.com/articles/galleries/127827.jpg)
These layers are then superimposed on one another to form ‘stacks’ that are cut into octagons, a process Girard-Perregaux says is an industry first.
After a period of hand-applied finishing, the case takes on a wavy appearance, which looks a bit like those made from Damascus steel.
![](http://cdn.justluxe.com/articles/galleries/127828.jpg)
As a lightweight yet extremely strong watch, the Laureato Absolute 8Tech is a sporty model with a sandwich-type grey dial built atop a layer of Grade 5 titanium, a metal partially visible through several apertures in the upper portion. Each opening serves as an index, and each lies adjacent to a luminescent marking.
![](http://cdn.justluxe.com/articles/galleries/127829.jpg)
Inside Girard-Perregaux fits its own superb automatic Caliber GP03300-1058, which is visible through a smoky sapphire crystal back. Not surprisingly, the movement is very nicely finished with Côtes de Genève, chamfering, and straight graining.
Price: $27,300.
![](/images/jl-new/article-nextart.jpg)