We’ll merely name this watch the 8Tech as a result of there may be nothing else named fairly like that. It may additionally make you surprise — what precisely is an 8Tech anyway? Watchmaking nerds that we’re, we definitely questioned. Fortunately, the reply just isn’t that Girard-Perregaux is collaborating with the following 4Chan or one thing like that. 8Tech refers to “a groundbreaking approach (the place) the case is fashioned of octagonal carbon elements, making a random structural sample,” in accordance with the press launch that dropped in our inbox. So many questions, however to settle the matter by way of the specs alone, the 44 mm case is manufactured from a carbon and titanium composite.

The 8Tech actually appeared simply as we closed our big chronograph story — nicely, half one anyway – within the coming Autumn problem of World of Watches (WOW), however we merely needed to write it up. Isn’t the Web superior? No matter your ideas is perhaps on the topic, the 8Tech warrants a more in-depth look as a result of materials science behind it and the attendant mind-blowing engineering strategies. Girard-Perregaux explains:

“The case materials consists of unidirectional, non-braided and pre-impregnated carbon fibres mixed with light-weight titanium powder to type extraordinarily skinny layers, measuring simply 0.05mm in thickness. These layers are superimposed upon each other, every oriented in a different way to type ‘stacks’ that are then minimize into octagons, an business first.”

“The octagonal shapes are positioned in a mould and subjected to warmth and excessive strain. Thereafter, the case elements, together with the bezel, are milled from the fabric after which subsequently refined by hand. This one-of-a-kind approach endows the case with a shimmering look.”

From our personal analysis, the above description is fairly near a textbook description of a composite materials proper till you get to the octagons bit the place we are going to start our investigations. For now although, what’s notable is that hand-finishing appears doable right here, and so is the prized potential to create each matte and polished surfaces. The fabric seems to have wonderful particular energy whereas being light-weight — reportedly 5 instances lighter than metal. That can also be higher than titanium, and never by a small margin. Sadly, Girard-Perregaux didn’t point out the exact weight of the 8Tech in any respect, so we must await the studies of our associates who’re attending the massive present in Geneva.

We’ll shut with a be aware on the chronograph perform right here, with this watch powered by the automated in-house GP03300-1058 motion. In contrast to a mess of chronographs at this stage, this can be a modular quantity that has borne all kinds of decorations beforehand. The model doesn’t crow about this calibre boasting a column wheel so it is perhaps cam-actuated, which is okay. The variety of elements right here is listed at 419, an impressively giant quantity with ample alternative for wonderful ending. Girard-Perregaux has deployed this calibre many instances in recent times, together with as soon as in a carbon glass watch that foreshadowed the 8Tech.

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