Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Japan 'Aiiro' Edition

Girard-Perregaux marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations existing between Switzerland and Japan with the release of two versions of the Laureato. These models, celebrating the Maison’s longstanding ties with Japan, are limited to just 100 pieces each. The colour of each dial is indigo blue, inspired by and paying homage to the Japanese colour. Perpetuating the iconic Laureato design language, these Japan editions wonderfully showcase the extraordinary talents of the Manufacture’s craftspeople.

The first limited edition, the Laureato 42 mm with Grand Feu enamel dial, is housed in a stainless case and is a modern take on the legendary Laureato, originally released in 1975. Upholding the familiar design language, much loved by watch aficionados, this latest model imparts meaning with three hands and incorporates a date display adjacent 3 o’clock. An exquisite play with shapes comprising an octagonal bezel, sat atop a circular plinth, positioned above a tonneau-shaped case, the housing toys with light, juxtaposing brilliance and shade. This game of contrasts is repeated with polished and satin finished surfaces placed side by side. At the heart of the watch, a self-winding Manufacture movement, the Calibre GP1800, further demonstrates the Maison’s in-house expertise. It is embellished with straight and circular Côtes de Genève motif, circular graining, bevelling, engravings, sunray finish, mirror-polishing and snailing; all visible via the sapphire caseback.

The pièce de resistance is the Grand Feu enamel dial, skilfully crafted in the company’s in-house facility. The base of the dial is formed of a silver disc which has then been endowed with a guilloché sunray motif. Thereafter, the magic begins when a mixture of silica, minium, potash and soda are ground into a powder and combined with metal oxides to create the desired shade of indigo blue. This powder is dusted onto the brass disc and then fired at temperatures of approximately 800°C. The artisan must judge when the dial should be removed from the oven, allowing it to cool, while taking care not to spoil its appearance. This process is repeated 5-10 times to achieve the desired lustrous appearance. A product of patience and skill, such dials can incorporate tiny fissures, air bubbles or other imperfections, leading to them being rejected and requiring the dial making process to begin anew. Unquestionably time consuming to create, a Grand Feu enamel dial won’t fade, promising an enduring allure that will never diminish.