Laurent Ferrier is a true independent manufacture. It is headed by Laurent Ferrier himself, who worked at Patek Philippe for 40 years, finishing as their creative director. Beyond his watchmaking pedigree, Ferrier is also notable for having raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he came in third in 1979, coming behind none other than Paul Newman. Located in the village of Vernier in Switzerland, his small workshop resides in a converted single-family home, where each watch is hand-assembled by a single watchmaker.
Some examples of the Classic Tourbillon were initially made in a smaller size, 39 mm rather than the manufacture's typical 41mm. This was mainly to target collectors in Japan, although subsequent examples of this size have become more widely sold across the globe. The case features a rounded bezel, thin lugs, and the manufacture’s signature onion-shaped crown. The white grand-feu enamel dial is accented by subtle red coloration around the sub-seconds, with inlaid black Roman numerals on the outer section of the dial. Ferrier himself has been quoted as saying that his work focuses on delivering “simplicity, precision, and pure, uncluttered beauty”. The piece also bears Ferrier’s signature Assegai-shaped hands, a name and shape that invokes the appearance of the javelins used by Zulu warriors.
Turning the watch over to reveal the movement, we see that it is powered by the FBN 916.01, which was developed by Ferrier in conjunction with La Fabrique du Temps. This is Ferrier’s take on the double direct-impulse escapement invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet. The tourbillon is distinguished by a “double spiral”, with two spirals that are attached opposite to each other. These spirals allow it to maintain the centre of the balance firmly on its axis, and in turn, to eliminate any potential timing discrepancies. One of the earlier movement designs to emerge from the brand, it speaks to the combination of traditional watchmaking and modern reliability that the brand seeks to exhibit.
This example is one of extremely few Laurent Ferrier pieces certified by the Besançon Observatory. To be awarded a certificate, the watch had to go through a stringent testing period. The certificate received with this watch states the actual performance of the movement, and its status as an observatory chronometer.
The layout of the bridges and wheels is particularly intriguing in this instance, displaying the complex movement in a way that is visually pleasing. The finishing of the movement is a major focus for the Galet Classic Tourbillon, with contrasts established between the perlage backdrop and the thick, circular-grained Geneva Stripes on the bridges. The incredibly precise finishing of the interior angles is achieved using a burin, and the handwork of the skilled craftsmen.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon Double Spiral will be subject to 20% VAT
