Released at Watches & Wonders this year, we were finally able to get our hands on the new Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon at the SIAR 2020 in Mexico City, and what a pleasant surprise. A watch that seemed gorgeous per the brand’s stock imagery has now become a big favorite in our book with a couple of caveats. Housed in a sporty 44 mm stainless steel case, this is the brand’s first model equipped with an integrated stainless steel bracelet. This new addition to Laurent Ferrier’s portfolio of models features a tourbillon, double balance spring, and the firm’s legendary finishing.
Laurent Ferrier is widely known for creating classical watches imbued with traditional watchmaking crafts and mechanical excellence. During the 1970s, Laurent Ferrier was often seen behind the wheel of a racing car. He competed in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans seven times and secured a victory in the two-liter prototype category in 1977. Laurent competed at Le Mans again in 1979 and came third in the overall ranking along with his teammate, François Servanin. Interestingly, Paul Newman came second in the race. Laurent Ferrier has never forgotten the importance of ‘feel’. When the legendary watchmaker was competing in his Porsche 935T, he would have felt the road through his fingertips and the seat of his racing overalls. François Servanin and Laurent Ferrier cofounded the company in 2008 and François is now the president.
Things to Know About the Watch
Available in a limited edition like all Laurent Ferrier creations, the Grand Sport Tourbillon is limited to just 12 pieces. Cased in stainless steel —a rarity for Laurent Ferrier—, this is the second watch that the brand has decided to release in this non-precious metal. The watch is graced with a gradient blue opaline dial that darkens from the center to the periphery. Featuring a snailed small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, the 18K white gold markers and the ‘Assegai-shaped’ hands take the center stage with a vintage feel thanks to its light orange-colored superluminova coating.
The exceptionally beautiful dial features a white minute track as well as white imprints throughout. The blue opaline dial transitions from blue at its center to black near its periphery but not as much as one would expect. Protecting the front, a gently arcing tinted sapphire crystal grants a more rounded appearance when viewed from the side.
The Grand Sport Tourbillon’s case predominantly features circular satin-finished elements with a cushion-shaped bezel that follows the rest of the case design with contrasting mirror-polished flanks. The middle of the case has a barrel-shaped outline, yet, consistent with other Laurent Ferrier timepieces, every constituent of the case coalesces harmoniously.
Fitted with an integrated stainless steel bracelet —a first for the brand— the Grand Sport Tourbillon becomes a perfect daily wearer in every setting. Somewhat reminiscent of a Patek Philippe Nautilus, the new Grand Sport Tourbillon is one of those watches that is immediately recognizable by watch connoisseurs and watch aficionados familiar with the brand.
While we like the overall look of the watch, we feel that the stainless steel bracelet could’ve followed a much better design. In comparison with the rest of the watch we feel that the bracelet falls short for a timepiece in the six-figure range. Some elements that we dislike are the big gaps between the bracelet links and the fact that the bracelet is somewhat flimsy and reminiscent of a Breitling Colt bracelet. Honestly, not what we were expecting here for a watch near the $200K USD mark.
Following the brand’s design cues, the Grand Sport Tourbillon is fitted with the now traditional ball-shaped ratcheted crown. The feel of the crown when the watch is wound or the time is set is flawless and indicative of the intrinsic high-quality craftsmanship behind the watch’s movement. Despite the fact that the crown is not of the screw-down type, the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters. Ultimately this new tourbillon is a sporty one, therefore, you expect for wearers to be able to at least shower with it or swim in shallow waters.
The Movement
In 2010, Laurent Ferrier won the ‘Best Men’s Watch Award’ at the GPHG for its Classic Tourbillon. This watch was equipped with an ingenious hand-wound movement featuring a tourbillon and a double balance spring. Turning the watch over reveals the same movement, although presented in a contemporary finish with dark ruthenium treated bridges. This manual wound movement composed of 188 parts and 23 jewels, which beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph provides a power reserve of 80 hours when fully wound. Visible via the display case back, the tourbillon carriage bridge is painstakingly decorated by hand and the movement features mirror polishing with 30 hand-crafted interior angles.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon wears true to its size and with exceptional wrist presence. Its sporty nature paired with the elegance and classic design followed by Laurent Ferrier makes this watch a very interesting timepiece. While the Grand Sport Tourbillon appears contemporary, it continues to uphold the traditions so dear to Laurent Ferrier. Now, in terms of pricepoint, we feel that this watch should’ve been priced closer to the $120,000 USD mark. Available in a highly exclusive edition of only 12 pieces.
Sticker Price $185,000 USD. For more info on Laurent Ferrier click here.
