We are going to merely name this watch the 8Tech as a result of there’s nothing else named fairly like that. It may additionally make you surprise — what precisely is an 8Tech anyway? Watchmaking nerds that we’re, we actually puzzled. Fortunately, the reply 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 components, making a random structural sample,” in response to the press launch that dropped in our inbox. So many questions, however to settle the matter through the specs alone, the 44 mm case is made from a carbon and titanium composite.
The 8Tech actually appeared simply as we closed our big chronograph story — effectively, half one anyway – within the coming Autumn challenge of World of Watches (WOW), however we merely needed to write it up. Isn’t the Web superior? No matter your ideas is likely to be on the topic, the 8Tech warrants a more in-depth look because of the 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 kind extraordinarily skinny layers, measuring simply 0.05mm in thickness. These layers are superimposed upon each other, every oriented in a different way to kind ‘stacks’ that are then minimize into octagons, an trade first.”
“The octagonal shapes are positioned in a mould and subjected to warmth and excessive stress. 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 skill to create each matte and polished surfaces. The fabric seems to have glorious particular energy whereas being light-weight — reportedly 5 occasions lighter than metal. That can 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 stories of our buddies who’re attending the large present in Geneva.
We are going to shut with a word on the chronograph operate right here, with this watch powered by the automated in-house GP03300-1058 motion. In contrast to a large number of chronographs at this degree, 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 likely to be cam-actuated, which is ok. The variety of components right here is listed at 419, an impressively massive quantity with ample alternative for superb ending. Girard-Perregaux has deployed this calibre many occasions in recent times, together with as soon as in a carbon glass watch that foreshadowed the 8Tech.
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