In astronomy, terrestrial time is the measure of time defined by the Earth’s orbital motion. The Sun revolves around the Earth every 24 hours. Celestial time, more commonly known as sidereal time, equals the rotation period of a celestial object. Basically, the celestial vault scrolls past the Earth in just 23 hours and 56 minutes. Unlike the real world, viewing constellations on the dial of this model is not impeded by light pollution or limited light.

The terrestrial globe, positioned on the right side of the dial, rotates 360° every 24 hours while the celestial globe, positioned opposite, rotates 360° every 23 hours and 56 minutes. The different pace of each globe is barely perceptible to the human eye; however, it demonstrates Girard Perregaux’s meticulous attention to detail.

The Tourbillon is presented at the base of the mainplate. Its purpose it to mitigate the adverse influence of gravity on the balance, thereby enhancing precision. A Neo Bridge straddles the opening for the tourbillon and is made of space-age Grade 5 titanium alloy with black PVD treatment. This bridge and large opening afford mesmerising views of the Tourbillon cage rotating and the balance and escapement in motion. The complexity of a tourbillon necessitates much expertise to assemble and regulate. This competence has always been at the epicentre of Girard-Perregaux’s DNA, dating back to the 1860s when the company produced its first pocket watch equipped with a Tourbillon.

The layout of the Cosmos Infinity Edition ensures that all the complications are aligned in perfect symmetry. To enhance this sense of balance, the watch dispenses with a conventional crown. Instead, an innovative winding and setting system is located on the reverse of the timepiece and recalls the styling of pocket watches from yesteryear. The setting system features three engravings, filled with luminescent ceramic indicating the purpose of each bélière.

“The Cosmos Infinity Edition is a journey through the stars that ‘makes the invisible visible’, a hallmark of our brand dating back to the 1860s”, explains CEO Patrick Pruniaux. “The movements and constellations reveal the mysteries of the universe that are invisible to the naked eye.”

The use of black onyx for the dial and globes symbolises the depth of the universe and its infinite mystery. This exemplar of fine watchmaking embraces an ethereal domain where artisans shape and polish onyx discs by hand, culminating in the onyx exhibiting a mirror-like appearance.

It takes no fewer than 15 different operations to create the thin dial and three-dimensional globes and requires exceptional skill to realise these components.Befitting the appellation of ‘Haute Horlogerie’, the Calibre GP09320-1440 is enriched with high-end finishing. The titanium Neo Bridge, presented at the base of the mainplate, is black PVD-treated, sandblasted and incorporates hand-bevelling. Similarly, the mainplate is black PVD-treated and embellished with circular-graining, sandblasting and bevelling. In contrast to the sapphire crystal on its flat caseback, the Cosmos Infinity Edition features a sapphire crystal box, providing a three-dimensional view of the dial area. Its domed shape requires four to five times more material to shape and polish

“The Cosmos Infinity is a celestial feat that ties together all the novelties we’re launching at the Geneva Watch Days. All of these novelties convey our infinite passion and commitment to upholding our company’s reputation for extraordinary craftsmanship”, explains CEO Patrick Pruniaux. The Cosmos Infinity Edition will be available worldwide from selected authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers as of September 2020.

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Both companies share a passion for fine watches and an unwavering desire to exceed customer expectations. It is these shared values which has led to this partnership, a relationship which looks destined to last many years. CEO of Girard-Perregaux, Patrick Pruniaux remarks, “We are delighted to work with Wempe, a company with an excellent reputation for customer service. Each branch of Wempe can offer a broad choice of Girard-Perregaux models. Indeed, it is Wempe’s commitment to customer service and product availability which makes it the perfect long-term partner for our business.

In recognition of the high esteem in which we hold Wempe, we have entrusted it with both versions of the new Laureato Infinity Edition. Both Wempe and ourselves care about quality and traditions, whether in the form of a beautifully finished movement or boutique staff providing courteous and knowledgeable service.”

We chose this Infinity model as a metaphor for a partnership we hope will last long into the future. It is wonderful that we are able to provide our clients with the opportunity to own one of the new Laureato models before anyone else. I hope there will be many more opportunities to collaborate in the future.”

In 1975, Girard-Perregaux was one of the first companies to offer a sporty elegant model equipped with an octagonal bezel and an integrated steel bracelet. The design of the Laureato has since become known for its enchanting interplay of straight lines and curves and becoming blend of polished and satin-brushed surfaces. It embraces the notion of ‘sporty-chic’ while also complementing formal attire. Its extraordinary versatility has led to its iconic status.

Now, Girard-Perregaux unveils the latest chapter in the Laureato story. The Laureato Infinity Edition is equipped with a handcrafted deep black onyx dial. Pink gold accents appear from the darkness, drawing the eyes to the information presented. This blend of aesthetic codes also features on other members of the Infinity collection, an expression of the brand’s infinite passion and unwavering respect for craftsmanship.

The Laureato Infinity is available in 38mm and 42mm options. Both versions are housed in a stainless steel case which, along with the black onyx dial, provides the perfect foil for the various indications to shine. Silver-toned baton-shaped hour and minute hands emulate the appearance of the steel case, while the central seconds hand, applied indexes and GP logo, all formed of pink gold, reinforce the overall sense of luxury. The date is conveyed with white numerals set against a black disc, matching the hue of the dial.

The bezel of the Laureato 38mm is adorned with 56 brilliant cut diamonds totalling 〜 0.90 ct. Both versions of the Laureato Infinity Edition feature an in-house self-winding movement, enhanced with traditional finishing and a pink gold oscillating weight. Consistent with Laureato tradition, alternating satin and polished finishes feature throughout. Great care is required when polishing the case and bracelet to ensure each type of finish is discrete with crisp delineation. The raised octagonal bezel features convex and concave surfaces which toy with light, culminating in alternating pockets of brilliance and shade.

The black onyx used for the dial draws on the expertise of time-served craftspeople who shape and polish the material by hand. Creating thin dials from onyx requires no fewer than 15 different operations, however, the resultant surface looks exquisite with its mirror-like appearance. The marriage of deep black onyx and pink gold accents delivers a becoming contrast, a trait synonymous with the Laureato name. Wempe will exclusively distribute both versions of the Laureato Infinity edition, in 42mm and 38mm, for a limited period of two months in select points of sale across Germany as well as its flagship stores in New York and London, beginning in September 2020. Subsequently, both models will be available worldwide in authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers.

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