Laurent Ferrier BaselWorld 2013 Novelties

DonCorson · 2013-05-13T11:17:35Z

Laurent Ferrier unveils new dual time Galet micro-rotor, double spiral tourbillon, and movement improvements at BaselWorld 2013.

DonCorson

WPS member · Independents forum

9 replies4187 views0 photos

DonCorson provides an in-depth look at Laurent Ferrier's novelties from BaselWorld 2013, focusing on technical innovations and aesthetic refinements. This report highlights the brand's commitment to integrating complications seamlessly and continuously improving its movements, offering a detailed perspective for collectors interested in independent watchmaking.

Laurent Ferrier at BaselWorld 2013

New at Laurent Ferrier this year is the dual time zone Gallet micro-rotor with double direct escapement model. The dual time complication is integrated into the micro-rotor movement and not an added module on top. At the same time LF has made some improvements in the movement as described below.

This new double spiral tourbillon with its radial guilloché dial is just magnificent.

The micro-rotor has some new dial colors.

Double-spiral tourbillon

A one of a kind piece this Gallet Secret Dragon has a hand painted porcelain dial which is the fruit of a cooperation with Meissen Porcelain.

LF is constantly working to improve its movements and sent me some drawings to document this.
Here we see the ratchet on the micro-rotor as it has been. The ratchet is mounted on the axle of the micro-rotor, thus the micro-rotor has to be mounted to wind up the watch.

On the new dual-time micro-rotor the ratche is mounted further up the energy train to make life easier for the watchmakers. The movement can be tested without the micro-rotor installed.

A second stop has also been added the acts both on the balance and on the seconds wheel.

The double spiral tourbillon receives new hairspring studds and a new escapement geometry.

A further improvement that is being introduced is a new patented way of clamping the pallet jewels that guarantees their correct positioning.
A) correct positioning with ideal pallets
B) error on old anchors caused by a pallet that is too thick
D) error on old anchors caused by a pallet that is too thin
F) new anchor has correct geometry even when the pallets are too thick or thin

Key Points from the Discussion

The design of the pallet stone with a dimple-like spring is an atypical English-style lever arrangement, raising questions about its functional necessity over traditional methods for skilled watchmakers like Laurent Ferrier.
While appreciating the new GMT model, some collectors express a preference for Laurent Ferrier's traditionally pure and simple dial designs.
The stop-second feature is a notable improvement, and there's a question about its applicability across all new Laurent Ferrier pieces or if it's exclusive to the Tourbillon.
The GMT display's numeral placement, showing numbers above and below the GMT hour, is considered an unusual design choice that makes the window appear 'wrong' or misaligned.
The new dial of the double tourbillon and the micro-rotor models are well-received, along with the introduction of the stop-second mechanism.
Laurent Ferrier watches are praised for their beauty, sobriety, and technical perfection, reinforcing the brand's reputation for high-quality independent watchmaking.

The Discussion

KIH

May 13, 2013

.. the new dial of the double tourbillon is simply nice.... the new ones of the micro-rotor as well. Stop second mechanism is good, too. Ah, so nice..... Thank you, Don! Ken

RahulR

May 13, 2013

Thank you for sharing your findings and experience with us :) I absolutely love the tourbillon, but certainly out of reach for the time being. The galet micro rotor is definitely more achievable and I have my eye on that! Just a question, is the stop second feature applicable to all the pieces or just the Tourbillon? Apologies, couldn't make out from your post. Thanks again!

WatchCollectorCB

May 14, 2013

I've met Laurent Ferrier at this year Baselworld. His watches are so beautiful and "sobre". The technique is absolutely perfect.

Ophiuchus

May 14, 2013

is atypical for a swiss maker- that's an English style lever arrangement, using swiss lever escape wheel geometry. An interesting touch, no doubt, to save space inside the tourbillon. The pallet stone spec sheet confuses me. I understand the purpose of the dimple-like spring, but why use it? Surely for someone skilled as Laurent grinding a pallet stone to correct width of even thousandths of a millimeter is not terribly difficult. Plenty of people have hand made escapements with normal simple sl

Mark in Paris

May 15, 2013

Laurent Ferrier is certainly a brand we are waiting each year for (ok since not long ago). I 've noticed new dials' decoration this year, especially with the arrival of the new "GMT" model. I think I prefer much more the pure and simple dials we used to seeing from LF. Anyway, thanks your very much Don for all these pitcures I was delighted to study :) CHeers, Mark

elliot55

May 16, 2013

... that little rotor. LF's work is very special. - Scott

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Independents forum with 9 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum