LAURENT FERRIER GRAND SPORT TOURBILLON STEEL BRACELET

Now available with a steel bracelet and an eye catching dégradé dial tone, the new Grand Sport Tourbillon by Laurent Ferrier weighs in as a contender for the pinnacle of contemporary Haute Horlogerie sports watches.

With a Laurent Ferrier watch, the devil really is in the details. These are truly beautiful timepieces, created with obsessive attention to the minutiae. When a new one breaks cover, collectors all over the world take note.

While a passion for motorsport is in the DNA of the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon watch, it is not cluttered with the paraphernalia normally expected from such an association, such as chronograph counters and turbine-inspired bits. In fact, while motorsport is an important and integral part of the legacy of this watchmaker, with the Grand Sport Tourbillon, references to the sport are as subtle and understated as can possibly be.

Featuring the same tactile case form and mechanical movement as the debut Grand Sport Tourbillon which was unveiled last year, this exclusive new edition has a dial which graduates from blue at the centre to black at the dial edge. Orange SuperlumiNova on the 18ct white gold hands and the markers adds vibrancy but does not detract from the soothing opaline blue to black dégradé. At six o’clock the small seconds subdial is slightly recessed and has been given snailed decoration.

A curved and tinted sapphire crystal emphasises the pebble-like structure of the case which features a miscellany of forms. From a cushion-shaped bezel, it tapers softly out towards its barrel-shaped middle and is abound with so many fine subtleties that one can imagine its creator deliberating over every nuance. Making a Maison debut, the three-link integrated steel bracelet has contrasting mirror-polished and satin finishes.

The piece is equipped with a Laurent Ferrier in-house manual-wound movement, with the tourbillon on the calibre side, safely shaded from light which could affect its lubrication and therefore its precision. Notably, in addition to the tourbillon, a double-spring arrangement for the balance has been used in its construction, so that each tiny spiral beating in opposing directions regulate each other thus maintaining consistent amplitude in the lateral position. Such devotion to the pursuit of accuracy has awarded the movement with a Chronometer Certificate from the Besançon Observatory.

As with all Laurent Ferrier calibres, this one is a sight to behold and it exhibits a contemporary aesthetic with ruthenium treated bridges and satin-brushed finishing. As a discreet nod to M. Ferrier’s motor-racing achievements, the bolts which secure the sapphire caseback to the case are inspired by those one might see in automotive design.

The Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon with integrated steel bracelet will be a limited release of 12 pieces.

Fact File Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon with Integrated Steel Bracelet

REFERENCE: LCF041.2.AC.C1GO
MANUFACTURER: Laurent Ferrier
LIMITED EDITION: 12 pieces
CASE: Stainless steel with polished and circular satin finish
SIZE: ø 44mm
DIAL: Opaline, blue graduating to black, 18ct white gold markers and Assegai-shaped hands, orange Super LumiNova.
MOVEMENT: In-house Calibre 3200 manual-wound, 18,000vph, Chronometer Certified.
FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, small seconds, tourbillon.
POWER RESERVE: 80 hours
BRACELET/STRAP: Stainless steel bracelet, three-link with vertical satin finishing and mirror-polishing at edge of each link
BUCKLE: Folding clasp
WATERPROOF RATING: 100m