Visit to the Laurent Ferrier Atelier Geneve

I recently had the opportunity to visit Laurent Ferrier in Plan les Ouates in Geneve, I was able to make it work with a driving tour of France and it coincided nicely with my own recent acquisition of a Laurent Ferrier watch (more of which in another thread).

First of all what a lovely building in a courtyard setting

First of all what a lovely atelier building in a courtyard setting

It is a 2 minute walk from here but we did not go inside there on this trip

The man himself charming and happy to talk for hours it seems (in French

about watches and other interesting subjects.
Along with his equally charming designer and son Christian and CEO Vanessa, we were hosted brilliantly and many questions answered both at the workshop and over a relaxed lunch.

5 watchmakers and a polisher at the benches on this day. Each watchmaker constructs a complete watch including case and dial. Production is and will remain at 120-140 waches per year.
It takes approximately 80 hours for the Double Balance Spring Tourbillon, 60 for the Galet Traveller and 40 for the Galet Micro-Rotor. Sorry I cannot share too many images of this area but it was fascinating to be able to watch these artisans at work.

Finally Mr. Ferrier signing a nice note on my watch warranty card.

Finally Mr. Ferrier writing and signing a nice note on my watch warranty card. He is wearing a beautiful grand feu enamel white dial tourbillon in platinum, that somehow manages to feel so light on the wrist. Funny story Christian is still waiting for a watch for himself, a micro rotor but he has not yet finalised the details, it is very similar for him to have to choose as any one of us choosing dial and case etc. He is still waiting as Vanessa keeps selling all the watches they can make! However he is 40 this year and assured that his watch is coming.

All in all a great morning and thanks to Vanessa, Laurent, Christian and the team for making us very welcome.

This message has been edited by hashluck on 2016-05-02 04:37:43

💰32 Marketplace Listings for Montblanc›Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro Rotor · 1 for sale · 67 discussions›

So lucky

By: Alkiro1 : May 2nd, 2016-04:40

The Gallet micro-rotor will be one of my next target (and probably in steel as I know that is normally not possible but... I know the good guys for that ;-)

Certainly some models are available already in steel

By: hashluck : May 2nd, 2016-05:07

and as I am sure you know anything is possible. I have more confidence than ever in the brand after my visit. They have a clear vision and continuity seems assured.

I really love this brand but...

By: Alkiro1 : May 2nd, 2016-05:38

...I am less convinced by the new models (cushion ones and GMT). In my opinion, the first models are just timeless and I am not sure it will be the case for the newest ones. But that is just my opinion. Time will tell us the truth ;-)

There is a story to the cushion case...

By: hashluck : May 2nd, 2016-06:57

Quite simply it was customer driven, some wanting something more substantial on the wrist than the more classis pieces offered. Laurent Ferrier were not willing to compromise on the movement and the way it fits into the case precisely and hence the existi...

Really interested to read your own experience. Thank you [nt]

By: Alkiro1 : May 2nd, 2016-14:27

A great report

By: Poky : May 2nd, 2016-04:49

Love your Aston too.

Thank you Poky

By: hashluck : May 2nd, 2016-05:09

As you might imagine Laurent and Vanessa liked it too and had to come out for the engine start and to see me off safely

Looks like a great visit!

By: JToddH : May 2nd, 2016-04:50

Thanks you for taking us along. I'd love to see more photos of your timepiece.

Yes my report and pictures of my watch will come soon I hope

By: hashluck : May 2nd, 2016-05:10

I want to wear it and use it a liitle while first.

Great report, Hashluck!

By: TheMadDruid : May 2nd, 2016-05:44

Very happy for you that you made it there and it was all you hoped for. Can't wait to see your watch next.

Cheers Padj! [nt]

By: hashluck : May 2nd, 2016-06:45

Congratulations Hashluck...

By: mahesh : May 2nd, 2016-07:53

That\'s a visit to bring the holy grail home !

Beautiful watch

By: Gavin1 : May 2nd, 2016-10:08

And lovely AM Vantage V12 too!

Thank you - it is in fact a V8 Vantage S [nt]

By: hashluck : May 2nd, 2016-10:51

How cool is that to have the man himself delivering the watch...Congratulations!

By: Clueless_Collector : May 2nd, 2016-10:25

Anything from this brand is good. Rgds Raymond

Thanks Raymond, yes quite special! [nt]

By: hashluck : May 2nd, 2016-10:52

So bummed....not a single watch pic ;)

By: redcorals : May 3rd, 2016-04:07

I am glad so you chose to shop at this beautiful atelier - who much offer more for less - than their stuffy neighbours. These intimate settings+sittings make all the difference in the world when it comes to enjoying your dime earned. Cheers

I was waiting for this comment :) I shall post my watch soon [nt]

By: hashluck : May 3rd, 2016-09:15

Thank you for the visit!

By: Mark in Paris : May 3rd, 2016-07:57

This is the kind of experience we love, that's great we are able to share a little part with you. Congratz for yours, LF is a great watchmaker and, as I said lately to a fellow purist, the style and design is really elegant, refined and made with a lot of...

Thanks Mark, regarding the case design...

By: hashluck : May 3rd, 2016-09:13

...as far as I could tell this is all done in house (I saw several mock ups and models in both enlarged and actual sizes (as well as on the computer). Christian pointed out one mock up that had then been subtly but very successfully modified by Laurent in...

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