Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor Thickness

Saturninus · 2018-03-15T13:41:29Z

Is the Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor too thick for a dress watch? Explore collector debate on its 12.7mm profile, design ergonomics, and comparison to other micro-rotor movements.

Saturninus

WPS member · Independents forum

28 replies5869 views1 photos

Saturninus explores the Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor, a watch celebrated for its aesthetic simplicity and intricate movement. His post raises a crucial question for collectors: does its 12.7mm thickness compromise its status as a dress watch, especially for those with slender wrists? This discussion delves into how design can mitigate perceived bulk.

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I'm fairly new to world of independents watch brand, but I think I've found something that really appeals to me: the Laurent Ferrier Galet MicroRotor. Stunningly beautiful in its simplicity on the dial-side, other-worldly on the movement side. And it fits my need for a dress watch. Unfortunately, I don't have much of an opportunity to try on these exclusive brands where I live.

The watch looks perfect, but when I looked up the specs, I was surprised to see that it is listed at 12.7mm thick. That's nearly Datograph thickness. I've got an Lange 1815 Chronograph, which is 10.8mm thick, and that's about as chunky as I would normally be comfortable with. I've got somewhat skinny wrists.

I think I've seen just about every picture and video of the Galet MicroRotor on the internet, and I would have not guessed it to be that thick from those observations. Those who have worn one - is there something about it's design that makes it not seems as thick as the specifications indicate? It looks so sleek and svelte in pictures, but the measurements suggest a bulky profile.

Key Points from the Discussion

Despite its 12.7mm thickness, the Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor's case and lug design are engineered to make it feel less bulky on the wrist than its specifications suggest, showcasing the brand's design prowess.
Comparing the Galet Micro-Rotor to other micro-rotor movements, the L.U.C 1.96 was 9.9mm thick, and the L.U.C 1860 XPS Officer is an impressive 7.7mm thick, even with a sapphire case back and an extra officer's case cover.
Some argue that the thickness of watches like the Galet Micro-Rotor is necessary to provide sufficient depth for the movement, creating a desirable 3D effect and enhancing robustness.
A thicker watch does not necessarily detract from its dress watch suitability, as personal preference and how it feels on the wrist are paramount, rather than strict adherence to traditional thickness norms.
While Laurent Ferrier is highly regarded, some collectors view his watches differently after learning that certain parts are outsourced, questioning the extent of in-house manufacturing.
The Laurent Ferrier Tourbillon model, which is thicker than the Micro-Rotor, has been noted to wear comfortably and subtly, fitting well under a French-cuffed shirt.

The Discussion

mdg

Mar 15, 2018

It's a beautiful watch...

...haven't seen it live. But I will always believe that a dress watch should be discreet and thin. Anybody can make a fat watch. It takes genius to make something beautiful, reliable, and thin. Nothing against LF as he may well be a genius, but watch makers seem to have taken a few steps backward in the past couple of decades in terms of elegance...my .02

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

Mar 15, 2018

Voutilainen, Roger W Smith, folks who make the highest-end watches

Tend to make them a little thick because it makes for a watch that will stand the test of time.

EagleM

Mar 15, 2018

It wears a lot smaller on the wrist

compared to other watches like patek or lange for my wrist at least.

Watchlover78

Mar 15, 2018

I would not mind having the watch, and I do not think it is too thick(just my personal taste). Laurent Ferrier is a magnificient watchmaker.

Best regards, Baxter

Velociphile - No longer in the building

Mar 15, 2018

10.7mm thick for the Micro Rotor version - thin enough :) [nt]

Saturninus

Mar 15, 2018

10.7mm seems reasonable

for some reason, on the LF website the specifications read 12.7mm thickness

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