Independents

Further to the obvious interest shown by many for Laurent Ferrier at the occasion of my macro shot a couple of days ago, let's review the main novelties presented at the SIHH last January.

The Galet Micro Rotor “Montre Ecole”

As the name suggests, the new Galet Micro Rotor "Montre Ecole" from master watchmaker Laurent Ferrier is inspired by the first timepiece that he created in his watchmaking school years, a pocket watch characterised by lines and finish typical of the 19th century tradition. The result is a new 40 mm three-piece bassiné case whose curved shape is emphasised by contrasting satin-brushed and polished surfaces.

The "Montre Ecole" is offered in gold (white or red) or steel versions, and both share the same Assegai hands in white or red gold for matching the case colour. The dial is a typical two-tone style, which echoes the early-1900s style of the case.

The dial of the gold versions shows a central part with vertical satin-brushed finish in a dark silver hue while the minute track shows a contrasting circular-brushed finish. The minimalist small seconds dial enjoys two contrasting surfaces: a snailed finish in the centre and a sandblasted outer section.

The dial of the steel version is quite similar though not identical as the whole dial has a vertical satin-brushed finish :

Both versions share the same FBN 229.01 micro-rotor movement with natural escapement. As for the decoration the gold versions are decorated with Côtes de Genève pattern on the bridges, circular graining on the mainplate, hand-drawn flanks, bevelled wheel spokes, polished screw heads, hand-crafted interior angles, hand polished micro-rotor bridge

while for the steel version, Laurent Ferrier chose a decoration recalling the original materials used in prototyping, such as brass, which offers a contrast with steel

The Galet Tourbillon with Open Dial

While the tourbillon was Laurent Ferrier's very first watch, it had so far never been made with an open dial through which you can actually observe the tourbillon. Until now the the Galet Classic Tourbillon was only available with a closed dial, thus compelling you to take off the Watch from your wrist and turning it to the back if you wanted to admire one of the master's incredible double hairspring tourbillons through the sapphire back.

Apparently there has been enough clients asking him so that Laurent Ferrier accepts to open the heart of these beauties and let the owner contemplate their incredible tourbillon.

The basics of this watch are no different from previous Galet Classic Tourbillon models. The white gold pebble case is 41mm, with rounded edges and tapering lugs, sapphire crystals front and back, and features a wonderful sector dial :

I could not finish this post without mentioning a model that was introduced mid 2016 but impressed me a lot :

the Galet Classic Square Sector Dial Tourbillon Double Spiral

This watch has that same fantastic cushion-shaped case that made the Galet Square a real hit. The case is 18k white gold and measures 41.5mm wide, which is just perfect neither too big as to become chunky, nor too small. Predictably, the case is executed and finished to an extremely high level.

The dial is simply magic : as its name clearly states, the watch has a two-tone sector dial. A railway minute track surrounds a circular satin-brushed chapter ring, which highlights the printed hour markers and applied indices at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock and the applied indices are made of blackened gold. The hands are the typical LF “assegai-shaped”. The hour, minute, and second hands are all made out of gold and are hand-polished before being treated with ruthenium, which explains their unique color.

The LF 619.01 Tourbillon Double Spiral movement is obviously the same as in the Galet Classic

I wish I could make the dream become true one day but that one will certainly remain a dream as the entry ticket will remain out of my reach.

However this Gallet Square case is such a beauty that it haunts my dreams more and more. Its perfect shape and size and its slimness make of it an incredibly comfortable watch, a ideal mix of modernity and elegance...

To be followed...

Mike

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