Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor x Salon des Horlogers

Laurent Ferrier is a talented designer and his watches reflect the subtle sophistication he has honed since he went solo in 2010.  Ferrier has also distinguished himself by his movement designs, including the automatic FBN 229.01 calibre released in 2012 with a micro-rotor and a double direct impulse on the balance. Today, Laurent Ferrier presents an exclusive 25-piece edition of the Classic Micro-Rotor made for the Geneva-based retailer of independent watch brands, Salon des Horlogers. Housed in a Classic stainless steel case, the special Geneva Salon des Horlogers edition has a two-tone blue sector dial and is powered by Ferrier’s celebrated automatic calibre FBN 229.01.

Classic

The latest model designed for Salon des Horlogers is housed in a Classic 40mm pebble-shaped case with an onion-style crown, a throwback to the 19^th-century pocket watches that Ferrier so admires. With a case height of 11.10mm, the polished surfaces highlight the round, smooth surfaces that have become a trademark of the brand and that reference the smooth worn shapes of pebbles.

Two-tone sector dial

Playing with two tones of blue, the dial features a darker, slightly grained matte blue colour in the centre and a lighter shade of blue with a sunburst finish extending from the chapter ring to the peripheral minutes track. White lines emanating from the central disc divide the chapter ring into eight segments with Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock and a small seconds counter intersecting the central area at 6 o’clock. The white railway track on the periphery displays the minutes in five-minute increments. Ferrier’s signature white gold Assegai-shaped (javelin) hands and the baton hand for the seconds are coated in matte white to match the numerals on the dial.

FBN 229.01

Turning the watch over reveals the hallmark Laurent Ferrier ‘lip’ on the bottom, another reference to yesteryear pocket watch movements that could be accessed by lifting the lid. Laurent Ferrier’s proprietary calibre FBN 229.01 is an automatic movement wound by a unidirectional pawl-fitted micro-rotor delivering a three-day power reserve. What is unique about this movement is its regulating organ. Fitted with a silicon escapement, it features a double direct impulse on the balance. This innovation, developed by LF in collaboration with the Fabrique du Temps, enables the balance to be impelled twice per oscillation, which requires two escape wheels and an appropriately shaped lever. This modern construction, combined with cutting-edge materials, maximises energy efficiency.

Beautifully decorated with polished bevels, thick Geneva stripes on the bridges and circular graining on the mainplate, the pawl, balance cock and micro-rotor bridge are mirror-polished by hand. Matching the dial colour, the watch comes with a blue suede strap with Alcantara lining and a blue alligator strap with an extra pin buckle. In seconds, a quick-release spring bar lets you switch from the more casual blue suede to a more formal blue alligator strap.

Availability and Price

The LF Classic Micro-Rotor Salon des Horlogers Genève is limited to 25 pieces. It retails for CHF 50,000 (excl. VAT) and is available directly from Salon des Horlogers in Geneva and its website.