The new Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition from Girard-Perregaux represents something far more profound than a partnership—it embodies a shared philosophy where mechanical precision meets sculptural beauty, where Swiss watchmaking tradition converges with British automotive excellence.
The Laureato has been an icon of integrated bracelet design since its 1975 debut, and this latest iteration honors that heritage while pushing boldly into new territory. Crafted entirely from black ceramic—a material seven times harder than steel—this timepiece transforms the familiar octagonal silhouette into something altogether more contemporary and technical. The ceramic construction isn't merely aesthetic; it's profoundly functional, offering superior scratch resistance, hypoallergenic properties, and a weightless feel that enhances the wearing experience.
The 42 mm case and integrated bracelet showcase the material's versatility through contrasting finishes: circular satin on the bezel, horizontal satin on the case, and a sophisticated interplay of polished and satin surfaces across the bracelet links. This attention to surface texture creates visual depth while maintaining the cohesive design language that makes the Laureato instantly recognizable.
Mechanical Theater Unveiled with Racing Green Sophistication
Where this timepiece truly distinguishes itself is in its openworked architecture. The skeletonized dial eliminates barriers between the wearer and movement, transforming the GP01800 calibre into a stage for mechanical performance. Every component becomes visible: the mainspring's varying tensions, the balance wheel's rhythmic oscillations, the hairspring's delicate pulsations, and the pallet lever's precise engagement with the escape wheel.
This isn't a mere exhibition for its own sake. The movement itself represents over two centuries of Girard-Perregaux expertise, featuring 55 hand-crafted internal angles—a hallmark of traditional haute horlogerie finishing. The black PVD-treated mainplate and bridges receive four distinct hand-applied finishes: beveling, sandblasting, traits-tirés, and circular satin. Each technique serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, reducing friction while creating the visual drama that makes skeleton watches so compelling.
The collaboration's most striking visual element lies in its color palette. The iconic Aston Martin Racing Green appears throughout the timepiece: on the skeletonized hands, suspended indexes, and the solid gold rotor. This isn't simply brand recognition—it's chromatic storytelling that links the watch's mechanical rhythm to the automotive world's pursuit of performance perfection.
The green PVD treatment includes luminescent properties, ensuring legibility extends into low-light conditions while maintaining the aesthetic coherence. Even in darkness, the watch glows with that distinctive green emission, creating an otherworldly presence on the wrist.
The Movement
Beyond its visual impact, the GP01800 calibre delivers serious horological credentials. The variable inertia balance represents superior regulation technology, offering enhanced shock resistance and improved chronometric precision—qualities that resonate with Aston Martin's engineering philosophy. The 54-hour power reserve ensures the mechanical ballet continues even when unworn, while the movement's 28,800 vph maintains that hypnotic rhythm visible through the openworked architecture.
The sapphire crystal caseback, adorned with a metallized Aston Martin logo, provides another viewing angle for the movement's architectural beauty. This dual-sided transparency maximizes the visual experience while celebrating both brands' commitment to technical transparency.
On the Wrist & Price
Limited to just 88 pieces worldwide, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition reference 81015-32-3538-32A occupies that sweet spot where exclusivity meets wearability. At 42 mm in diameter and 11.13 mm thick, it maintains presence without overwhelming the wrist, while the ceramic construction ensures daily-wear practicality despite its haute horlogerie credentials.
For collectors seeking something that bridges automotive passion and horological artistry, this limited edition represents a compelling proposition. It's a mechanical theater for the wrist, a conversation piece that rewards close examination, and a testament to what happens when two storied brands unite around shared values rather than mere commercial opportunity.
Sticker Price USD 54,300. More info on Girard-Perregaux here.
