In a groundbreaking alliance, Girard-Perregaux and the Atlassian Williams F1 Team have unveiled their inaugural joint creations: the Laureato Williams Edition 42mm and the Laureato Chronograph Williams Edition 42mm. This collaboration unites two legacies, with Girard-Perregaux's iconic Laureato first appearing in 1975, and Williams entering Formula 1 in 1977. Both entities have consistently pushed boundaries in their respective fields, integrating technological advancements and design innovations while steadfastly maintaining their unique identities. The new timepieces honor this shared heritage, seamlessly incorporating Williams' racing aesthetic into the classic Laureato design. Both watches boast robust 42mm steel cases, integrated bracelets, and a water resistance of 100 meters, retaining the Laureato's signature octagonal bezel and the interplay of polished and satin-finished surfaces.
These exquisite watches feature deep blue dials adorned with the renowned "Clous de Paris" pattern, a hallmark of the Laureato collection. The color palette draws inspiration from the Williams FW48, the Formula 1 team's 2026 racing car, with subtle red accents on the seconds hand and chronograph sub-dials. A discreet Williams "W" thoughtfully replaces the 12 o'clock hour marker, while the sapphire crystal case backs prominently display a metallized Williams emblem, offering a clear nod to the partnership. Rhodium-plated baton-shaped indexes and hands provide excellent legibility against the vibrant blue dial, further enhanced by Superluminova for optimal visibility in low-light conditions. Powering the Laureato Williams Edition 42mm is the self-winding GP1800 caliber, composed of 191 components, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offering a 54-hour power reserve. This model also includes a date display at 3 o'clock, harmoniously matched with the Williams blue dial. The Laureato Chronograph Williams Edition 42mm is equipped with the GP3300 self-winding movement, featuring 419 components and 63 jewels, providing chronograph functions, date, hours, minutes, and small seconds, alongside a 46-hour power reserve. Both movements are meticulously decorated with exquisite finishes such as "Côtes de Genève," circular graining, beveling, mirror polishing, satin finishing, engraving, sunray finishing, and snailing, all visible through their sapphire case backs.
The cases and integrated bracelets of these timepieces showcase a sophisticated blend of polished and satin-brushed finishes, accentuating the Laureato's distinctive architectural lines. The Chronograph Williams Edition is crafted from 904L steel, while the Laureato Williams Edition utilizes standard stainless steel. This intricate finishing extends to the integrated bracelets, secured with triple-folding clasps. The Laureato Williams Edition measures 42mm in diameter and 10.68mm in thickness, with a price of $16,200. The Laureato Chronograph Williams Edition, also 42mm in diameter, has a thickness of 12.16mm and is priced at $20,900.
This collaboration not only highlights the enduring legacies of both Girard-Perregaux and the Atlassian Williams F1 Team but also exemplifies the pursuit of excellence and continuous innovation. By marrying traditional watchmaking artistry with the cutting-edge spirit of Formula 1, these timepieces celebrate precision, performance, and a forward-looking vision, inspiring us to appreciate the intricate details and the relentless drive for advancement in all fields of endeavor.
