Laurent Ferrier is a true independent manufacture, making only several dozen watches per year, at a very high level. It is headed by
Laurent Ferrier himself, who worked at Patek Philippe for 40 years, finishing as their creative director.
This Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor is sized at a contemporary 40mm, and has a distinctive amorphous, bevel-free shape. The case features a rounded bezel, thin lugs and the manufactures signature onion shape crown, which work proportionately well together. The entire watch is polished and mirror finished, while the crown itself is engraved with a pattern.
The timepiece comes with a slate-grey dial that creates different shades of grey depending on the light source, and is vertically brushed. On top of this, are applied matching rose gold index markers and Laurent Ferrier’s signature ‘assegai’ shaped hands. The index markers and hands are subtle in form, and correspond harmoniously in shape.
Powered by the in-house, self-winding calibre LF 229.01, it is an incredibly high-quality movement that combines traditional watchmaking and modern innovation. Interestingly, where haute-horlogerie often favours a manual-winding movement so that it is not blocked by a rotor, Laurent Ferrier decided that contemporary needs called for an automatic movement. The solution was the incorporation of a micro rotor as a winding mechanism, allowing the architecture of the movement to be shown completely. The fan-shaped micro rotor is made of solid gold and is suspended by a large bridge, creating an illusion of it floating. Furthermore, it uses a pawl, allowing it to wind in a unidirectional manner, adding efficiency and reliability.
Impressively, this Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor utilises a double direct-impulse escapement, that improves the movement through its ability to use less power and maintain amplitude, achieved through the escape lever being locked down between two escape wheels.
The finishing of this movement is a main focus for the Galet Micro-Rotor, with contrasts established between the perlaged backdrop and the thick circular grained Geneva Stripes on the bridges. When viewed under a loupe, the incredibly precise finishing of the interior angles are shown, which are uniformly achieved through the use of a burin, and the handwork of the manufacure’s skilled craftsmen.
The timekeeping of the Galet Micro-Rotor is impressive - it is chronometer-certified by the Besançon Observatory, outperforming its more commonly COSC approved peers. It has a power reserve of 72 hours.
This watch comes on its original brown alligator strap, and a matching 18k rose gold tang buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.