Watch lovers know that the most valuable resources in the world of haute horlogerie are the watchmakers themselves. A lifetime on from the devastation that quartz wreaked on the entire watch industry and, at last, the world is recovering thanks to a new generation of watchmakers, who have one thing in common: they learned the basics at watchmaking schools, to develop into complete artisans.
Mr. Ferrier, as is evident from the memes that inform his timepieces, appreciates the classic examples of fine watchmaking from the 19th century, when man and machine, rather than man, machine and computer, created these marvels of miniaturisation. He recalled his very first creation as a watchmaker: the School Piece, or "Montre d'Ecole".
It is an introduction into the world of watchmaking beyond mere assembly. The School Piece incorporated the 19th century pocket watches codes, the skills and techniques that traditionalists will never allow to disappear. In paying homage to his ur-watch, Laurent Ferrier's objective is to develop a case with the same roundness above and below its wrist, as when those pioneering watchmakers converted pocket watches into wristwatches.
Mr. Ferrier's efforts have given us a new 40mm three-piece bassiné case, its form enhanced by two satin bands, with a matte finish to contrast with the polished. The competing-yet-harmonious surfaces emphasise the curved shape and balance of the piece, assisting the eye in appreciating the subtlety of the curvatures.
Straight, thin lugs were developed to offer another contrast of the modern and the traditional, the "pastille" end-piece decoration mirrored by the winding crown.
Technical Specifications:
The case, in 18kt white or red gold, or in stainless steel, measures 40mm x 10.9mm. It has double sapphire crystals and it is water resistant to 30 meters. A platinum model is available upon request.
Movement is the Swiss automatic Laurent Ferrier in-house caliber 229.01 with 35 jewels, 21,600 vph and a power reserve of 72 hours. Automatic winding with pawl-fitted micro-rotor, fixed between the main plate and the micro-rotor bridge. Silicon escapement with double direct impulse on the balance. Silent block shock protection type system for the micro-rotor.
Movement decoration gold models: Côtes de Genève pattern on the bridges and the circular graining on the mainplate, flanks are hand-drawn, wheel spokes are bevelled, screw heads are polished, and interior angles of the balance-cock are hand crafted with a burin. The micro-rotor bridge is hand polished. Steel model: Shot-blasting (microbillé), and mirror polishing for the parts in steel, including the balance cock.
Two tone dial for the gold versions, silver toned vertical satin brushed finish for the center and circular satin brushed finish for the outer dial. Minimalist small seconds with a snailed finish in the centre and a sandblasted outer section. Hands in white or red gold. Assegai-shaped with a baton-shaped seconds hand.
Dark silver toned vertical satin-brushed finish for the steel model. Minimalist small seconds with a snailed finish in the centre and a sandblasted outer section. Hands in white gold. Assegai-shaped with a baton-shaped seconds hand.
It comes on a dark brown hand-sewn alligator leather strap with Alcantara lining and a steel or 18kt gold folding clasp.
Thanks.