BaselWorld 2013 : Laurent Ferrier
DonCorson
Laurent Ferrier at BaselWorld 2013
New at Laurent Ferrier this year is the dual time zone Gallet micro-rotor with double direct escapement model. The dual time complication is integrated into the micro-rotor movement and not an added module on top. At the same time LF has made some improvements in the movement as described below.
This new double spiral tourbillon with its radial guilloché dial is just magnificent.
The micro-rotor has some new dial colors.
Double-spiral tourbillon
A one of a kind piece this Gallet Secret Dragon has a hand painted porcelain dial which is the fruit of a cooperation with Meissen Porcelain.
LF is constantly working to improve its movements and sent me some drawings to document this.
Here we see the ratchet on the micro-rotor as it has been. The ratchet is mounted on the axle of the micro-rotor, thus the micro-rotor has to be mounted to wind up the watch.
On the new dual-time micro-rotor the ratche is mounted further up the energy train to make life easier for the watchmakers. The movement can be tested without the micro-rotor installed.
A second stop has also been added the acts both on the balance and on the seconds wheel.
The double spiral tourbillon receives new hairspring studds and a new escapement geometry.
A further improvement that is being introduced is a new patented way of clamping the pallet jewels that guarantees their correct positioning.
A) correct positioning with ideal pallets
B) error on old anchors caused by a pallet that is too thick
D) error on old anchors caused by a pallet that is too thin
F) new anchor has correct geometry even when the pallets are too thick or thin
New at Laurent Ferrier this year is the dual time zone Gallet micro-rotor with double direct escapement model. The dual time complication is integrated into the micro-rotor movement and not an added module on top. At the same time LF has made some improvements in the movement as described below.
This new double spiral tourbillon with its radial guilloché dial is just magnificent.
The micro-rotor has some new dial colors.
Double-spiral tourbillon
A one of a kind piece this Gallet Secret Dragon has a hand painted porcelain dial which is the fruit of a cooperation with Meissen Porcelain.
LF is constantly working to improve its movements and sent me some drawings to document this.
Here we see the ratchet on the micro-rotor as it has been. The ratchet is mounted on the axle of the micro-rotor, thus the micro-rotor has to be mounted to wind up the watch.
On the new dual-time micro-rotor the ratche is mounted further up the energy train to make life easier for the watchmakers. The movement can be tested without the micro-rotor installed.
A second stop has also been added the acts both on the balance and on the seconds wheel.
The double spiral tourbillon receives new hairspring studds and a new escapement geometry.
A further improvement that is being introduced is a new patented way of clamping the pallet jewels that guarantees their correct positioning.
A) correct positioning with ideal pallets
B) error on old anchors caused by a pallet that is too thick
D) error on old anchors caused by a pallet that is too thin
F) new anchor has correct geometry even when the pallets are too thick or thin
Comments:
KIH May 13th, 2013-18:17
I love new dials and improvement on the machine... .. the new dial of the double tourbillon is simply nice.... the new ones of the micro-rotor as well. Stop second mechanism is good, too. Ah, so nice..... Thank you, Don! Ken
RahulR May 13th, 2013-22:34
Really appreciating Laurent Ferrier pieces more and more.. Thank you for sharing your findings and experience with us :) I absolutely love the tourbillon, but certainly out of reach for the time being. The galet micro rotor is definitely more achievable and I have my eye on that! Just a question, is the stop seco...
DonCorson May 13th, 2013-23:36
The stop second is on the dual time micro-rotor movement
WatchCollectorCB May 14th, 2013-01:23
I love those watches I've met Laurent Ferrier at this year Baselworld. His watches are so beautiful and "sobre". The technique is absolutely perfect.
Ophiuchus May 14th, 2013-20:42
Love the guilloche line dial! The pallet arrangement.. is atypical for a swiss maker- that's an English style lever arrangement, using swiss lever escape wheel geometry. An interesting touch, no doubt, to save space inside the tourbillon. The pallet stone spec sheet confuses me. I understand the purpose of th...
Mark in Paris May 15th, 2013-01:54
An evolution in dials layout Laurent Ferrier is certainly a brand we are waiting each year for (ok since not long ago). I 've noticed new dials' decoration this year, especially with the arrival of the new "GMT" model. I think I prefer much more the pure and simple dials we used to s...
elliot55 May 16th, 2013-07:58
Love, love, love... ... that little rotor. LF's work is very special. - Scott
moc May 17th, 2013-08:29
What a wonderful report Don,thanks.. That radial guillochet dial stole the show though...wow! Mo
Mostel May 19th, 2013-12:51
The only thing I don't 'get' about the GMT is..... why does the GMT-display show the numerals above and below the GMT hour? It makes it look 'wrong' or as if the window is too big--or the wheel crooked or something. Hmmm. Shrug? Strange choice.
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AndrewD
A visit with Paul Gerber, Zurich
AndrewD
Visiting the Gerber Atelier in Zurich provides a glimpse into what watchmaking must have been like 200 years ago in Switzerland: a workshop within the family home, all the design and innovations built and tested in-house and the majority of parts being made in-house with a few specialist components (such as case and hairspring) being produced by specialist manufactures. Even the dials are made and engraved or guilloched in-house before being sent to a dial printer. I was made to feel like part of the family ... .
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