Moving on to the Independent Watchmakers, we have the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Square Tourbillon Double Balance Spring Sector Dial. This is a follow-up of last year’s Baselworld novelty, where Laurent Ferrier launched the basic Galet Square with its new cushion-shaped watch case.
The watch, drawing some inspiration from the 19th century pocket watches, plays pretty much with subtle colors and differing textures. The new multi-layered dial, for instance, features different form of finishing and aesthetics. The railway minute track is done in slate grey, while both the chapter ring and the inner dial feature circular satin-brush and opaline-finish respectively. On top of that, the subsidiary seconds dial is recessed, which gives the dial some depth. The overall effect is interesting, and it makes this simple watch a visual treat to anyone who has taken a look at it.
The Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Square Tourbillon Double Balance Spring Sector Dial, live from Baselworld 2016.
The watch, following a classic theme, also incorporates the tourbillon complication that was created more than two centuries back. However, Laurent Ferrier had modified it a little, with two head-to-tail mounted balance springs (which is partially where the long name of the watch was derived from) in the centre of the balance. According to him, the advantage of having this system is to maintain the centre of the balance firmly on its axis, which in turn guarantees reliability and accuracy of the regulating system.
Staying on with the movement, the watch is powered by Laurent Ferrier’s Calibre LF 619.01. This is a hand-wound movement that is chronometer-certified, and it features a power reserve of approximately 80 hours. As mentioned, the movement features the tourbillon mechanism, and it can also be observed via the case-back of the timepiece. The hand-crafted movement also features various forms of finishing, such as chamfering, polishing, and circular graining. It is, understandably, very subtle and well-made.
The 41.5mm White Gold timepiece feature a three-part case construction, and it is paired with an anthracite grey alligator leather strap with Alcantara lining. For more information, please check out Laurent Ferrier’s website here.
Technical Specifications:
- Calibre reference: LF 619.01
- Hand-wound movement, chronometer-certified
- Diameter: 31.60 mm
- Thickness: 5.57 mm
- Frequency: 3Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- 188 parts
- 23 jewels
- Central hours and minutes
- Small seconds at 6 o’clock on the tourbillon carriage pivot
- Tourbillon carriage visible through the case-back
- Tourbillon, two top-to-tail balance springs
- Two Geneva-type balance-spring stud holders
- Swiss lever escapement with steel escape-wheel and lever
- Variable-geometry balance with gold adjustment screws
- Peripheral tourbillon carriage driving system
- 18K / 210Pd non-rhodium plated white gold
- Three parts: case middle, bezel and snap-on case-back
- Size:41.5mm x 41.5 mm
- Thickness: including the sapphire crystal 12.70 mm
- Sapphire crystal case-back
- Water-resistant to 30 metres
- “Ball-shaped” crown in 18K/ 210Pd white gold
- Silver-toned opaline-finish centre, circular satin-brushed chapter ring
- 18K white gold applied hour-markers in black, railway minutes track in slate grey
- Small second hand recessed at 6 o’clock
- 18K/210Pd white gold with black ruthenium treatment
- Hours & minutes: “assegai-shaped”
- Second: baton-type
- Anthracite grey alligator leather, hand-sewn, Alcantara lining
- 18K white gold 16 mm pin buckle or double-blade folding clasp
