Car-watch partnerships are a thing of beautiful straightforwardness. If you appreciate fine mechanics on a scale large enough to hit 200mph, you likely appreciate it at the hair-thin scale of a balance spring. They’re safe, obvious and can lead to some interesting limited edition pieces. As is the case with Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin.
The pair launched their partnership earlier in the year with an 18-piece limited edition take on the iconic Three Bridges. It was typical Girard-Perregaux fare with a hint of Aston Martin on the side of the barrel and strap. Unfortunately – though it’s likely a good problem to have – the pair oversold the hell out of it, aggravating a fair few collectors on both sides during the process.
Which is why, not all that long after, we have the second in their burgeoning collection, the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition.
Honestly, this is what I was hoping their first piece would be like. The Laureato makes the perfect base for a motorsport watch with its instantly recognisable octagonal bezel and sports luxe good looks.
This version uses that standard 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet, but adds a sapphire caseback, which is nice. It shows off the manufacture movement (the catchy GP03300-0141) complete with a touch of Aston Martin branding. It’s worth a look; it’s a lovely calibre, though a 46-hour power reserve could likely be improved on.
Most of the action though is happening dial side. The colour here should be familiar to most people as British Racing Green, albeit a more iridescent take on the hue, a depth created by layers of lacquer. Perhaps more interesting though is the crosshatch diamond engraving. It’s actually a reference to the early overlapping A and M that used to be the Aston Martin logo. It’s also incredibly cool, albeit something you really need to see in the metal.
The dial is interrupted by three subdials in the same, though not engraved, green with black tracks. The hands are inspired by the dashboard instruments of vintage Aston Martins across the board, hence their really precise, needle look. The same goes for the indexes too.
As I said, the Laureato is the perfect base for this kind of watch, recognisable but versatile and the Aston Martin hints are genuinely welcome rather than being your usual twee nods. It’s just a really, really nice watch. Unfortunately they’re still only producing 188 pieces which, at its lower price point of £14,000, is likely to leave even more collectors on both sides fuming.
Price & Specs:
Model: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition
Reference: 81020-11-001-11A
Case/Dial: 42mm diameter x 12.01mm height, steel case, “Aston Martin Green” with cross hatching dial
Water Resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Manufacture movement calibre GP03300-0141.9100, automatic, 63 jewels, 419 parts
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 46h
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters, date
Strap: Steel bracelet
Price/availability: £14,000, limited to 188 pieces
More details at Girard-Perregaux.
