Laurent Ferrier and A Collected Man
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. For this particular piece,
Laurent Ferrier and
A Collected Man worked closely together, over the course of a year, to develop this unique configuration, with several iterations of the dial having been produced prior to the final result.
The Design
This Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon is sized at a contemporary 40mm, and has a distinctive amorphous, bevel-free shape. The stainless steel case, usually reserved by the brand for unique or limited editions, features a rounded bezel, thin lugs and the manufactures' signature onion-shaped crown, which work proportionately well together. The entire watch is polished and mirror finished, while the crown itself is engraved with a pattern. One of a limited series of 18 Galet Classic Tourbillions made in steel, the number 8 was chosen for this specific watch due to its associations with good fortune, as indicated by an engraving on the caseback. Additionally, a discreet "ACM" hallmark appears on the bottom right lug.
The unique enamel dial features a textured surface, reminiscent of the impasto technique in painting, whereby paint is laid out in thick layers, giving added three-dimensionality to an image. The varied pattern of the dial creates an impression of depth and richness as it interacts with the light. To maintain the purity of the dial, the "Tourbillon Double Spiral" text (usually placed above the subsidiary seconds) was omitted from the design. It is accented with steel, applied Breguet numerals, corresponding harmoniously with Laurent Ferrier’s signature ‘Assegai’-shaped hands. The index markers and hands are subtle in form, and correspond harmoniously in shape.
The Movement
Powered by the in-house, manual-winding calibre LF 619.01, it has an incredibly high-quality movement that combines traditional watchmaking, with modern innovation. The hand-wound movement is inspired by vintage observatory tourbillon pocket watch movements, the finest precision chronometers of their time. Though traditional in construction and finishing, the movement is also equipped with an unusual double hairspring which enables more regular oscillations regardless of the position of the watch.
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 through the use of a burin, and the handwork of the manufacture’s skilled craftsmen.
The Set
This watch is accompanied by its original box, papers and loupe. It comes on one of our Zürich taupe grey grained calfskin strap, and is also accompanied by its original Laurent Ferrier alligator strap and stainless steel buckle.
Please note that the price is exclusive of a 20% EU-wide VAT. Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
