Laurent Ferrier Classic Opaline: A Collector's First Look

amanico · 2020-07-02T09:29:55Z

Explore the Laurent Ferrier Classic Opaline in titanium with its new Caliber LF 116.01. Discover collector reactions to its design, movement, and price point.

amanico

WPS member · Independents forum

45 replies5149 views3 photos

Nicolas (amanico) introduces the Laurent Ferrier Classic Opaline, a significant release that sparked immediate discussion among collectors. His initial impressions highlight the titanium case, opaline dial, and the new manual-winding Caliber LF 116.01. This article synthesizes community reactions, exploring how this model balances Laurent Ferrier's signature elegance with a more accessible approach.

45 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Here are the first pictures of the new Laurent Ferrier, the classic Opaline, I wanted to share with you, before discovering the watch in the real life.

Here we have a 40 mm big, 10, 70 mm high Titanium Grade 5 case, a white silver opaline dial, and a new movement, the Cal LF 116.01, 31, 60 mm big, 4, 35 mm high, beating at 3 HZ, with a power reserve of 80 hours. which is manual winding.

The indices and hands are in white gold.

As you can see, the movement decoration is simpler than what we are used to see from Laurent Ferrier, but the care of finishing seems to be good.

I must say that I like what I see. Of course, my first positive feelings have to be confirmed in the real, but the good points, in my opinion, are the titanium case, the superb dial and the interesting movement. I like the way it is blackened ( black rhodium finish ).

What do you think?

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Classic Opaline's case design and opaline dial are highly appreciated, with many noting that the subtle nuances of the dial require in-person viewing to be fully appreciated.
While the titanium case, dial layout, color scheme, and 80-hour power reserve manual-wind movement are praised, some collectors express disappointment at the absence of Laurent Ferrier's signature double-impulse natural escapement.
The movement's visual design, despite its good finishing, is perceived by some as underwhelming or incomplete compared to other Laurent Ferrier calibers, particularly the micro-rotor movements.
The pricing of the Laurent Ferrier Classic Opaline, around $30,000 for a non-precious metal watch, is a point of contention, with some questioning its competitiveness against alternatives in the same price segment.
Conversely, other contributors view the $30,000 price point as an attractive 'sweet spot' for a well-finished, time-only piece, representing a more 'wallet-friendly' entry into the brand.
The movement, while well-finished, is noted to feature a basic lever escapement, leading some to prefer the technical novelty of the natural escapement found in other Laurent Ferrier models.

The Discussion

dte2

Jul 2, 2020

Personally love the 24hr markers so that I don't have to subtract twelve in my head

redcorals

Jul 2, 2020

80hrs PR is commendable though.

andyhud

Jul 2, 2020

The watch has what looks to be a basic lever escapement. I’d be more interested if it had the natural escapement, since that has some real novelty around it. Case / hands / dial are good though. Would prefer 4hz movement too if I’m being picky.

ChristianDK

Jul 2, 2020

Not a fan of the closed bridge design. I think part of the charm of a nice manual wind is how you can read what is going on.

Jul 2, 2020

The movement's visual design is underwhelming to me. It feels incomplete. Compared to the Gauthier you showed recently, there is something missing (even ignoring the micro-rotor). And if the black finish is supposed to make it special, I think LF should look for more inspiration about how to fill this canvas. To me, LF is straying too far from its strengths and should focus more on a particular vision of elegance in design.

Mike H

Jul 2, 2020

Obviously there is not much novelty in the case design and I am more than fine with it as I absolutely love this design As for the opaline dial I think I like it a lot and I shall most probably confirm this when I see it in person, it is always difficult to give justice to a dial with a photo/design only with all subtile differences bewees a laquered or enamel, or porcelaine, or opaline dial... It has to be seen in real life to fully appreciate it. As for the caliber I am in love with the LF 229

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Independents forum with 45 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Laurent Ferrier Classic Opaline: A Collector's First Look

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum