The New Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 40 (Live Pics & Price)

Laurent Ferrier is an embodiment of horological artistry, precision, and elegance. With a legacy rooted in watchmaking heritage and a passion that courses through the veins of the eponymous brand’s founder, Ferrier has etched his name as a revered figure in the world of haute horology. The latest gem revealed by Laurent Ferrier is from the “Série Atelier” collection. The new Sport Auto 40 is a stunning tribute to the brand’s ethos intertwined with an insatiable passion for motor racing. 

The new Sport Auto 40 invites you to relive the electric ambience of the world’s greatest motor race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. On a fateful day, June 9, 1979, two visionaries and the eventual founders of the brand, François Servanin and Laurent Ferrier, embarked on a daring journey at the 47th edition of this legendary race. Driving the storied Porsche 935 Turbo, they defied the odds and secured a remarkable third place overall behind two other Porsche 935 cars, an astonishing achievement given the fierce competition of close to 80 entrants. A shared challenge would eventually evolve into the creation of Laurent Ferrier and François Servanin’s horological legacy.

The 41.5mm x 12.70mm case design of the Sport Auto 40 seamlessly melds the aerodynamic contours of racing cars, artfully fusing rounded curves with elegant arched lines. Crafted from grade 5 titanium, the case pairs effortlessly with the integrated grade 5 titanium bracelet. The juxtaposition of the rounded tonneau-shaped case middle and the softer, square case-inspired bezel creates a captivating visual contrast.

The bezel features a circular satin-brushed finish contrasting the mirror-polished sides and the vertically satin-brushed case middle. The three-link metal bracelet echoes with its vertical satin-brushed surfaces accentuated by mirror-polished angles. The iconic ball-shaped crown, seamlessly integrated into the case middle, adds elegance and ensures a comfortable experience when setting the watch. Water resistance of up to 120 meters ensures this timepiece is functional for daily wear.

Note the harmonious curves and the domed sapphire crystal of the Sport Auto 40, supposedly transporting you back to the era of the Porsche No. 40. The gradient viridian green dial, boasting an opaline finish with a touch of semi-glossy lacquer, showcases distinctive fuchsia crosshairs at the centre. The date aperture at 3 o’clock, cleverly chamfered, is embraced by a green transfer mirroring the watch’s central shade. Orange Super-LumiNova illuminates the white gold indexes and hands, infusing the timepiece with plenty of character. A subtle yet proud “40” sits on the opaline white small seconds dial at 6 o’clock, reminiscent of the racing car’s emblem.

Beneath the surface beats the heart of the Sport Auto 40 – the LF270.01 calibre, the brand’s self-winding movement with a date function. Equipped with a Swiss pallet escapement and an off-centred micro-rotor self-winding system, this movement exemplifies design and engineering. Crafted, decorated, assembled, and meticulously adjusted in Laurent Ferrier’s workshops, the movement boasts enhanced resilience against impacts and vibrations thanks to a unidirectional ball bearing. Like a balance wheel, the micro-rotor is forged from 950 platinum, positioned between the main plate and rotor bridge, for optimal stability and winding power. The power reserve exceeds 72 hours when fully wound.

The movement is a masterpiece of finishes. The sapphire crystal case back unveils the intricate beauty of the calibre, a delight for the fans of traditional haute horology. The allure of the horizontal satin-brushed and ruthenium-treated bridges truly captivates the eye. Crafting each LF270.01 calibre demands over 139 meticulous manual finishing operations. The components are lovingly adorned by hand, exemplified by the rotor bridge – meticulously softened angles, gentian wood and diamantine finishing, and mirror polishing grace its surface. Internal angles, zinc-polished facets, and a plethora of satin-brushed and circular-grained details are all brought to life by the skilled artisans of the brand.

The new Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 40 is a conduit to a storied past, an embodiment of excellence, and a testament to the fusion of masterful craftsmanship and the world of motorsport. True to the “Série Atelier” spirit, the new watch will be available exclusively on the brand’s website for CHF 51,000 (excluding taxes) as a limited edition of 40.

For more information or to place an order, please visit www.laurentferrier.ch.