Often confused with the exquisite Laurent Perrier champagne, the son and grandson of watchmakers, Laurent Ferrier, is the emblematic figure of the brand that bears his name. His lengthy experience in the fields of horological design, technical research, and watch exteriors vividly demonstrate both his assiduity and his inventive nature.
In the 1970s, Laurent Ferrier was diverted from watch calibres by his love for roaring engines and gleaming bodywork. And when the perfectionist mind of a watchmaker meets the automobile world, results are sure to follow. Laurent Ferrier drove racing cars on some of the most prestigious tracks and took part seven times in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race —taking first place in the 2-liter prototype category in 1977. That was where he met François Servanin, an industrialist and racing driver himself. Their shared passion for mechanics and speed cemented their friendship, and in 1979 they came 3rd in the overall rankings of the Le Mans 24 Hours at the wheel of a Porsche 935T from the Kremer racing team. A performance to remember considering that all the other racers were professional F1 drivers. This competitive spirit was to lead them to the Laurent Ferrier watchmaking venture that began in 2008.
Representing a subtle blend of traditions and contemporary techniques, the Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Micro-Rotor this time features an understated chocolate dial with white applied markers and white hands. Cased in stainless steel, the proportions of the pebbled-shaped square case are just perfect measuring 41 mm x 41 mm. Along with the unique shape and style of the watch, Laurent Ferrier's signature ball-shaped ratcheted crown rises in all glory to further elevate the overall aesthetics that appear classic yet very modern. Delivered on a chocolate brown alligator strap with a pin buckle, the watch is very elegant yet perfect for daily wear with jeans and a t-shirt.
Things to Know About the Watch
Technically speaking, the original Classic has become a square leaning towards a cushion shape in the Galet Square Micro-Rotor. Laurent Ferrier has devoted particular attention to the aesthetic harmony of the model. The difficulty of the exercise lay in preserving this aesthetic signature while gently shifting it towards new lines.
The Square is intended to assert a bolder presence on the wrist than the models that inspired it. Its lines are writing a new chapter in the history of the Laurent Ferrier workshops. The chocolate dial with its satin-brushed finish and white contrasting elements features a snailed running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock that maintains perfect harmony and appears well balanced. The hands and markers this time in white, provide the perfect level of contrast to the very unique ‘milk chocolate’ color of the dial.
This is also the first time that Laurent Ferrier is introducing a stainless steel case. The Galet Square thereby opens up a whole new creative era for collections that had thus far been crafted only from rare and precious metals. The stepped case and bezel construction are reminiscent of classic timepieces from the past mid-century era. In conjunction with the ball-shaped ratcheted crown, the case appears well proportioned, and the lugs with their very unique shape are the icing on the cake.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the Galet Square Micro-Rotor Chocolate Dial is the automatic in-house FBN 229.01 with unidirectional pawl-fitted micro-rotor and a three-day power reserve. This is the third in-house movement developed, assembled, and adjusted in the Laurent Ferrier workshops. It is equipped with silicon escapement featuring double direct impulse on the balance. The movement is finished with extreme care, as evidenced by the bridges adorned with a 'Côtes de Genève' motif, the sharp edges and interior angles are chamfered and hand-polished, and the screw heads are also mirrored polished.
The concept behind the off-centered micro-rotor, stems from an exclusive development inspired by the “natural” escapement invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet. This new double direct-impulse escapement fitted directly on the balance is equipped with a silicon lever. This modern construction, combined with the use of cutting-edge materials, maximizes energy efficiency, which in turn ensures high amplitude for the balance and reduces the mechanical force required to wind the mainspring.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Micro-Rotor Chocolate Dial wears true to its size and with exceptional wrist presence considering the exquisite craftsmanship behind it. Elegant, bold, and minimalist are some of the words that come to mind when putting this watch on the wrist.
Sticker Price $40,000 USD. For more info on Laurent Ferrier click here.
