Released in 2016, the Laurent Galet Traveller Boréal introduced an entirely new, minimalist aesthetic to the Galet Traveller series, with a luminous sector against a deep black backdrop. The sector dial takes inspiration from timepieces dating back to the late 1930s, with Superluminova applied on the chapter ring and arrow-shaped hour and minute hands. Overall, there is a vertical satin-brushed finish on the black dial. The sub-seconds feature a circular pattern, with a subtle, slate-grey minute track around the outer-edge.
The free-flowing lines of the time indications are only interrupted by the date aperture at three o'clock and 24-hour home-time window at nine o'clock. The central hands shows the local time, and these can be incrementally adjusted in both directions. This intuitive system allows the Galet Traveller to be quickly and easily adjusted. On a flight from London to New York, five pushes of the lower button would set the watch to the exact local time upon landing.
Sized at a contemporary 41mm, the case has a distinctive amorphous, bevel-free shape. With a rounded bezel, thin lugs and the manufactures' signature onion-shaped crown, the design elements are proportionate and work well together. The case is polished and mirror finished throughout, with the exception to the crown, which is engraved with a pattern. Integrated on the left side of the case are two oblong push-buttons, which adjust the local time.
Powered by the in-house, self-winding calibre LF 230.02, the movement combines traditional watchmaking elements, with modern innovation. Interestingly, where high-end watchmaking often favours a manual-winding movement, 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 still be shown completely. The fan-shaped micro-rotor is made of solid gold and is suspended by a large bridge, together, intended to create the impression of a bird standing on one foot. Furthermore, it uses a pawl, allowing it to wind in a unidirectional manner, adding efficiency and reliability.
Impressively, the Galet Micro-Rotor also utilises a double direct-impulse escapement, which improves the efficiency of 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 the movement is a major focus, with contrasts established between the perlage backdrop and the thick Geneva stripes on the bridges. The interior angles are achieved through the use of a burin, entirely done by hand by the manufacturer’s skilled craftsmen.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Laurent Ferrier Galet Traveller Boréal will be subject to 20% VAT
