Introducing – Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain Limited Edition

Since its inception in 2010, the brand Laurent Ferrier and its signature watch, the Galet, have always been favourites of ours, here at Monochrome. The reasons for that are simple: the design, the elegance, the execution and mainly, the beauty of the movements. Over the years, the collection has seen some evolutions, the most significant being the launch of a slightly bolder, more casual watch, the Galet Square with cushion case. Today, Laurent Ferrier introduces yet another version, a limited edition, which comes with quite a few visual evolutions… Here is the Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain Dial Limited Edition.

The main evolution for this limited edition of 10 pieces concerns the dial. While until now Laurent Ferrier has used mainly very well executed brass or gold dials, and, of course, grand feu enamel on some pieces, the new edition now comes with something new: porcelain. The process involved in producing these dials is extremely complex and represents a true technical challenge. The discs are fashioned by hand from a kaolin-based substance. Once modelled and fired at 1400°C/2550°F, the immaculate white porcelain is coated with a layer of transparent enamel that gives it a beautiful gloss. The porcelain discs must be perfectly profiled to ensure a perfect fit inside the watch case.

The design of the dial itself is also new for the brand. Rarely do the LF watches feature Arabic numerals (most come with applied indexes or Roman numerals). Here, we have ten anthracite non-italic Breguet Arabic numerals, and one extra, at 12, that is painted in red. Also new is the minute outer rail with gold circular minute dots for the minutes, four diamond-shape gold markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 and smaller diamond-shape gold patterns for the tenths. Finally, the sub-second dial is on the same level as the rest of the dial and not recessed like on most of the LF watches. This Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain present a surprising antique / pocketwatch-like look, reminiscent of what was found on late 19th-century or early 20th-century watches. Time is indicated by the signature (and superb) white gold ruthenium treated “assegai-shaped” hands.

Compared to the normal steel Galet Square, the case of the Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain is equally shaped, even if here made in 18k white gold. We still have the cushion-shaped central part and a recessed ball-shaped winding-crown. The case measures 41mm in diameter and 11.10mm in height, and the back is equipped with a snap-on back ensuring that the movement remains easily accessible.

Inside, no changes, we still find the superbly decorated and highly technical micro-rotor movement. This self-winding calibre FBN 229.01 is equipped with a unidirectional pawl-fitted micro-rotor and offering a three-day (72h) power reserve.  It is fitted with a silicon escapement featuring a double direct-impulse on the balance. This technology 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, maximizing energy efficiency and guaranteeing a high amplitude of the balance.

The decoration of this Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain – as we showed you in details with the LF Montre Ecole – is impressive: hand-bevelled bridges, hand-polished angles with internal anglages, black-polishing on the steel parts, bevelled wheel-spokes, mirror-like jewel and screw sinks. Pure Haute-Horlogerie.

The Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain is a limited edition of 10 pieces, with a retail price of $64,000. More details on laurentferrier.ch.

Technical Specifications – Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain Limited Edition

• Case: 41mm x 41mm x 11.10mm cushion-shaped case – 18k white gold, entirely polished – sapphire crystal on both sides – snap-on back – 30m water resistant
• Movement: calibre FBN 229.01, in-house, chronometer rated (Observatoire de Besançon) – self-winding via micro-rotor – 3Hz frequency with double direct-impulse escapement – 72h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds
• Dial: White porcelain, anthracite nickel Breguet type numerals, 12 in scarlet red, gold painted indexes
• Strap: Hand-sewn brown alligator, 18k white gold Ardillon pin buckle
• Price: $64,000