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An early example
This piece represents the earliest configuration of the Galet Classic Tourbillon and is therefore one of the earliest tourbillons to have left the manufacture. Indeed, the model was first born with a rose gold case and an eggshell-coloured enamel dial. It is worth noting that a subsequent variant featured a white gold case and black dial made from lacquer, since creating a Grand Feu enamel dial in black was considered too challenging. The early nature of this piece is reinforced by the fact that it bears a movement number below 90, suggesting that it was amongst the first 90 movements to be assembled, cased, and sold by the independent brand.
The dial
The dial of the watch is deceptively classic, with a Grand Feu enamel dial that features inlaid Roman numerals. 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.
The movement
Turning the watch over to reveal the movement, we see that it is powered by the LF619.01, 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.
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 perleage 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 manufacturer’s skilled craftsmen.
