Review
Amanico's review of the Laurent Ferrier Tourbillon Grand Sport provides a crucial early look at a watch that challenged the brand's established aesthetic. This article explores how Laurent Ferrier ventured into the luxury sport watch segment, a departure from its traditional classic designs. Readers gain insight into the initial reception and design nuances of this significant release, offering a valuable historical perspective on its place within the brand's evolution.
The Royal Oak reference 5402 is recognized as the original iteration of the model, introduced in 1972. This reference established the design language that would define the Royal Oak collection, characterized by its integrated bracelet and octagonal bezel secured by visible screws. It was initially presented as a luxury sport watch, distinguishing itself through its material and finishing in a period dominated by more traditional dress watch aesthetics. The 5402 was produced in various series, with the A-series being the earliest and most sought after by collectors.
The watch features a 39mm stainless steel case, often referred to as the "Jumbo" size, which was considered substantial for its era. It houses the self-winding Caliber 2121, a thin movement derived from Jaeger-LeCoultre's Caliber 920, known for its full-rotor design. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The crystal protecting the dial is acrylic, and the watch offers a water resistance of 50 meters, suitable for general wear.
For collectors, the reference 5402 holds significance as the foundational model of a major watch series. Its various production series (A, B, C, D) present nuances in dial text and case back engravings that are closely examined. The integrated steel bracelet is an integral part of its design, contributing to its distinct profile. The blue dial, often with a "tapisserie" pattern, is a hallmark of this early reference, though other dial variations exist.
I will write one later. The biggest achievement about this piece is that it looks very Laurent Ferrier despite the new context. I read a lot of comments about it, the Nautilus inspiration and so on. I don't agree. It features the Galet Square shape. And it contains a lot of details from Laurent Ferrier's aesthetic approach. An intriguing piece which could become (or not) the first of a catalogue line. Fx
Yes it does, but as foversta said above you can clearly tell thi is a LF watch. They did a good job translating their specifics to the '70 look. About the movement: ok this is a "sports" watch but I don't see someone really using this to go swimming or playing tennig (there's RM for that ), so I would lie to have a watch with a prominent LF movement and this one is stunning. I just find strange they opted for a "futuristic" design that contrasts with the '70s look. Before reading I looked at the
The problem with this watch is the case design. I like the dial and the movement (although I prefer the Geneva stripes on the original variant, which are finer IMHO). But the case design does not work. The case appears lopsided on the wrist. The bezel is not well proportioned to the main body of the case. And the case is too large, as the photos in your review demonstrate. However, you have produced an excellent and fair review. Your m photos of the dial are much more appealing than the press re
In the reality, it is different. You have to take the time to play with it, a bit, and to examine the watch under different angles. It is much better. The relation with watches from the 70's is obvious. Funky design. It won't be a consensual watch. But I like the re interpretation of the Seventies design. A case apart ( if you allow me to say so ) from the icons of the segment. Thanks for your comments, my friend. Try it on, and come back to us. I really think this is the kind of watch you have
I will suspend judgment until trying it on. I am sure there will be a lower priced version (probably in white gold without tourbillon) in due course, so I will certainly have an opportunity to consider it. -Ryan
Well done. This one's not my cup of tea but still I hope it's a harbinger of other sport watches to come from the brand. Thanks again. M4
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