When it comes to watch collecting, there are only a handful of independent horology brands that we feel like talking about. While we don’t get to review Laurent Ferrier timepieces as often as we would want to, we really enjoy when we do so. Not to be confused with Laurent Perrier champagne, Laurent Ferrier is one of those independent brands that hold a special aura with its clean simple designs where the craftsmanship makes the difference. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the brand released the Classic Origin Opaline in 2020. Housed in a sporty yet classy Grade 5 titanium case measuring 40 mm in diameter this is a watch where classic watchmaking cues meet contemporary looks.
Things to Know About the Watch
While in terms of looks the Classic Origin Opaline is quite similar to the Galet, the Classic Origin features a pebble-shaped round case instead of a square one. Equipped with a silvery-white opaline dial, the hour track is accentuated by burgundy-colored numerals in military-time running from 13 hours thru 24 hours.
Following the traditional Laurent Ferrier design cues, the Classic Origin Opaline features 18K white gold Assegai-shaped hour and minute hands that serenely float above the dial and that perfectly match the applied markers. The dial is divided in four quadrants outlined by two fine black intersecting lines.
At 6 o’clock, there is a small snailed seconds display with burgundy track that features a baton-shaped hand. The seconds subdial provides yet another interesting element in the well-balanced design of this watch. The burgundy track on it adds additional contrast to the somewhat plain silvery-white opaline dial. Under different lighting conditions, the dial appears more or less silvery. For sure the dial is more silvery looking than what stock images portrayed at the time of its release. We think that our live images accurately depict what the watch looks like in person under natural lighting conditions.
The Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Opaline marks the first time that Grade 5 titanium has been used in the case of any watch coming out of this independent horologist. Strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic, the Classic Origin Opaline is a great looking watch with a sporty feel and a light construction. Equipped with Laurent Ferrier’s iconic 'ball-shaped' crown, the curved lines of the case and lugs flow seamlessly when looking at the watch from any angle. Beyond its graceful appearance, the size and shape of the crown facilitate ease of adjustment while rounding out the looks of the watch.
The Movement
Turning the watch over reveals the manual wound in-house Laurent Ferrier Calibre LF 116.01 powering the Classic Origin Opaline. Fully visible via the display case back the movement is finished in an black rhodium finish that feels very sporty. Equipped with Laurent Ferrier’s long-blade ratchet system, makes winding the watch a very pleasant experience with its inimitable sound. When fully wound, this manual wound movement provides a power reserve of 80 hours.
While the Calibre LF 116.01 is simpler than some of the company's more complicated movements, it still encompasses the high-end finishing found on every other Laurent Ferrier watch with the micro-blasted bridges with hand-polished edges. Each screw-head is mirror polished and the escapement bridge is gracefully adorned with a hand-made interior angle.
On the Wrist & Price
The Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Opaline is delivered on a light brown Barbialla calf leather strap, lined with Alcantara. The strap looks a lot like a nubuck or suede strap. On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and perhaps one millimeter smaller than a 40 mm timepiece. In terms of looks, the Classic Origin Opaline looks very classic but contemporary at the same time without looking like your grandfather’s watch. A very well executed timepiece that brings the best from Laurent Ferrier at somewhat of an entry level price when it comes to independent horology.
Sticker Price $31,000 USD. For more info on Laurent Ferrier click here.
