Laurent Ferrier’s first square shaped watch received its fair share of attention at this years Baselworld. This was due to the case shape looking very similar to another brand. We took a closer look at the new Laurent Ferrier Galet Square.
The Laurent Ferrier Galet Square is the first regular production model from the brand to be made in stainless steel.
The stainless steel model is offered with two different dials. The first dial is a sunburst gold-toned dial. This a very clean looking dial with 3 markers in white gold located at the 12, 3 and 9 o’clock positions. The hour and minute “Assegai-shaped” hands are also in white gold. Finishing the dial is the running seconds at the 6 o’ clock position.
The new Laurent Ferrier Galet Sqaure in stainless steel
The second dial is blue featuring a vertical satin-brushed finish. Hour markers in white gold have been placed at every hour except the 6’o clock position. This gives the dial a more defined look. Our Editor in Chief, Peter Chong picked the blue dialed version as the standout of the two. I also think the blue dial is well done and is very alluring.
The blue dialed version which is our favourite of the two dial variations
The case itself was widely talked about at the fair. The world Galet is french for Pebble. The cushion shaped case was designed to have smooth curves, like that of a pebble which has been made smooth overtime by mother nature.
Many people commented it looks like the Radiomir model by Panerai. Yes it does look similar, but it is not the same. The shape of the lugs are more curved and the knurled onion shaped crown is recessed slightly into the case. The size of the case is 41 x 41 mm, making it a very nice sized dress watch. We think it looks very good and has panache!
Now on to the movement of the watch. The self-winding FBN 229.01 calibre with unidirectional pawl-fitted micro-rotor powers the timepiece. It is equipped with a silicon escapement featuring double direct impulse on the balance. This innovation developed by Laurent Ferrier enables the balance to be impelled twice per oscillation, a principle that requires two escape-wheels and an appropriately shaped lever.
The self-winding FBN 229.01 calibre with micro rotor
We like the use of micro rotors since they allow for an unobstructed view of the movement. The FBN 229.01 calibre receives a very high level of finishing. Alongside the Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges and the circular graining on the mainplate, the wheel spokes are bevelled, the screw hands are chamfered and polished, the interior angles are hand-crafted. The sapphire crystal case-back provides a fascinating glimpse of this fine workmanship and reveals an attractively balanced structure stemming from a clever combination of lines and curves. All this can be viewed through the sapphire case back. Please note the photos of the movement do not show the Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges and the circular graining on the mainplate. The movement photographed was a pre production piece.
Close up of the well finished movement
Overall we think Laurent Ferrier has produced a very classy looking timepiece backed up with a well made and nicely finished movement. The watch would work well in a formal environment with a suit and we could could easily see it used on the weekend with more casual attire.
The watch pairs very nicely with a sui
The watch with an ardillon buckle will retail for $57,300 Singapore Dollars and with a deployant buckle will retail for $59,000 Singapore Dollars. If you would like the deployant buckle to have a bit more heft, a platinum buckle is available for $5,000 euros (Approx $7,275 Singapore Dollars at today exchange rate).
For the precious metal lovers, you are not left out in the cold. The watch will also be available in a rose gold case.
The gold version with ardillon buckle will retail for $73,700 Singapore Dollars and with a deployant buckle will retail for $77,000 Singapore Dollars
For more information please visit Laurent Ferrier.
Laurent Ferrier Galet Square, might this be the perfect unisex Laurent Ferrier?
Technical Specifications
Movement:
FBN Calibre 229.01, automatic winding with pawl-fitted micro-rotor, 72-hour power reserve
− micro-rotor winding system fixed between the main plate and the micro-rotor bridge
− silicon escapement with double direct impulse on the balance
− a silent block shock protection system for the micro-rotor
Indications: hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock
• Movement diameter: 14’’’ = 31.60 mm
• Movement thickness: 4.35 mm
• Number of parts: 186
• Number of jewels: 35
• Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz)
• Case: stainless steel
• Water resistance: to 30 m
• Case diameter: 41x41mm (45.35mm across)
• Case thickness: 11.10 mm
Dial:
− sunburst gold-toned with three white drop-shaped hour-markers in 18K/750 white gold
− blue-toned, vertical satin-brushed finish with 11 drop-shaped hour-markers in 18K/750 white gold
Hands: in 18K/750 white gold, “Assegai-shaped” for the hours and minutes, baton-shaped for the seconds
Strap: light brown barbialla calf or dark blue alligator leather with Alcantara lining, hand sewn Buckle/clasp: pin buckle or double-blade folding clasp in stainless steel
