Laurent Ferrier is widely known for creating classical watches imbued with traditional watchmaking crafts and mechanical excellence. Now, the esteemed Genevan atelier has crafted a new contemporary watch, the Grand Sport Tourbillon, which upholds the company’s no-compromise approach to watchmaking. Housed in a sporty 44mm 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 exalted finishing.
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. His watches pay due consideration to the notion of tactility. This includes the feel of the crown when the watch is wound, the smooth unobtrusive crown guards sitting close to the wearer’s wrist, and most pertinently, the comfortable ergonomic relationship between the wearer and their Grand Sport Tourbillon.
Like all Laurent Ferrier creations, the Grand Sport Tourbillon, due to its protracted creation, will be very exclusive and, in this instance, will be limited to just 12 pieces.
François Servanin and Laurent Ferrier cofounded the prestigious Maison in 2008 and François is now the president of the company. The men’s shared passion for motorsport is an important part of the firm’s DNA. Laurent’s love of sport led to the creation of a new limited-edition watch, the Grand Sport Tourbillon. While this latest model is contemporary, it does not eschew the Maison’s penchant for traditional craftsmanship and technical excellence.
The Grand Sport Tourbillon is housed in a 44mm stainless steel case and predominantly features circular satin-finished elements. The bezel is cushion-shaped but encompasses 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.
For the first time, the Maison has equipped a watch with an integrated stainless steel bracelet. The central link of the 3-row design is comprised of vertical satin finished links. The rounded edges of the links are presented in a contrasting mirror-polish. These details imbue the bracelet and case ensemble with a sumptuous appearance.
The present-day styling encompasses an opaline dial that transitions from blue at its center to black near its periphery. Both the hands and indexes feature orange superluminova, vitalizing the overall composition. A snailed small seconds display resides above 6 o’clock and sits beneath a gently arcing tinted sapphire crystal, granting a rounded appearance when viewed from the side.
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. The new Grand Sport Tourbillon is endowed with the same movement, albeit presented in a contemporary finish. When Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the tourbillon in 1801, his invention countered the adverse influence of gravity on the regulating organ within a pocket watch whilst held in a vertical position. By equipping the balance with two reverse-fitted balance springs, the lateral displacement of the balance axis is also neutralized. The integration of both systems combines these respective benefits, conferring excellent precision. Indeed, this has been independently validated by the Besançon Observatory, culminating in the award of chronometer certification.
The beating heart inside the new Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon is a manual wound movement composed of 188 parts and 23 jewels, which beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph to provide a power reserve of 80 hours when fully wound. The movement with its tourbillon is fully visible via the display case back. The movement is a real treat for the eyes with its ruthenium treated bridges and satin-brushed finish.
While the Grand Sport Tourbillon appears contemporary, it continues to uphold the traditions so dear to Laurent Ferrier. The tourbillon carriage bridge is painstakingly decorated by hand. Furthermore, the movement features mirror polishing and 30 hand-crafted interior angles.
Sticker Price $185,000 USD. For more info on Laurent Ferrier click here.
Technical Specs
Reference: LCF041.2.AC.C1GO
Movement: In-house Calibre, manual-wound, 188 parts, and 23 jewels. Power reserve 80 hours.
Case: 44 mm in diameter in stainless steel.
Case Back: Display with Sapphire Crystal and water-resistant to 100 meters.
Dial: Gradient Blue Opaline in the center and black at the periphery. Small seconds at 6 o’clock, 18K white gold markers, and ‘Assegai-shaped’ hands with orange superluminova.
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp.
Limitation: 12 pieces.
