Girard-Perregaux is celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Laureato, the iconic timepiece first released in 1975 and now much loved by watch aficionados. To mark this occasion, the Manufacture is pleased to unveil the Laureato Ghost, an exclusive limited-edition model, produced in collaboration with Bamford Watch Department.
 

This otherworldly watch is housed in white ceramic, a first for both Bamford-Watch Department and Girard- Perregaux’s Laureato, perpetuating that timepiece’s instantly recognisable pairing of different forms, juxtaposing a circular case with an octagonal bezel and sleek lines. Indeed, the Manufacture has played with horological shapes for years, for instance when it released the Laureato’s ancestor, the Deep Diver, in the 1960s. This model transcended the utilitarian remit of a divers’ watch and stylishly employed different shapes, most notably with its tetradecagonal bezel.
 

As George Bamford, the founder of Bamford Watch Department explained, “I am known for my black watches and loving everything black, however, consistent with the other watches I have worked on, I wanted to push boundaries by designing a white watch this time. Whenever I collaborate with another company, I always look to achieve a synergy where both parties create something they probably wouldn’t produce on their own. For example, this is the first time Bamford Watch Department has encased a watch in white ceramic, also a first on the Laureato for Girard- Perregaux. I liked the idea of an ethereal, ghost-like character for the watch, hence its name. Adding black accents to the dial resulted in a striking unisex watch, a fitting tribute to 45 years of the Laureato.”
 

Patrick Pruniaux, Girard-Perregaux’s Chief Executive Officer, added, "The Laureato is an important pillar of our brand. At the time it was launched, it was very avant-garde, not only because of its innovative design aesthetic but also because it was one of the first timepieces to include a fully integrated bracelet. In this first true collaboration between Girard-Perregaux and Bamford Watch Department, we have come together and created something forward-looking and neoteric, a model ideally suited for today and beyond. The Laureato Ghost respects the spirit of the Laureato but looks new, fresh and original. Most of all, this is one ghost you don’t need to fear.”
 

Housed in a 38mm technical white ceramic case, this premium material is lighter than titanium, scratch resistant, stain resistant and hypoallergenic. Furthermore, this particular grade of ceramic has been specially selected for its perfectly vitrified surface and its uniform, lustrous appearance, allowing for finishes characteristic of classic steel and gold Laureatos. Indeed, the case and bracelet feature alternating satin and polished surfaces contributing to the timepiece’s sumptuous look and feel.
 

Like all Girard-Perregaux timepieces, a Manufacture movement lies at the heart of the Laureato Ghost: the self- winding Calibre GP03300-0139. It incorporates a multitude of high-end finishes, including circular graining, Côtes de Genève motif, bevelling, engraving and snailing.

Part of this model's allure can be attributed to its tasteful blend of materials, textures and overall attention to detail. For example, the crown is formed of titanium with black PVD treatment and the GP logo presented in relief. A sea of white Clous de Paris adorns the dial, where baton type hour and minute hands, along with matching baton type indexes, convey the time. The black minute flange subtly adds to the black and white colour contrast found throughout the timepiece, while the use of luminescent material enhances legibility in dim light. The central sweep seconds hand features a twisted counterweight endowed with a zebra motif, while an aperture at 3 o'clock reveals the date.
 

The Laureato Ghost can be specified with a white calf strap or a white ceramic bracelet. On the reverse of the watch, the caseback is engraved with the text 'One of 45' and 'Laureato 45th Anniversary', reaffirming the rarity of this collaboration.

The Girard Perregaux Laureato Ghost is limited to 45 pieces. The model will be sold exclusively at Dover Street Market (shop.doverstreetmarket.com) and Harrods (harrods.com) for a limited period of one month from November 2020. Subsequently, the watch will be available worldwide through authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers.

(Images © Girard-Perregaux)