Laurent Ferrier Micro Rotor Atelier Visit

alex · 2012-06-14T05:34:52Z

Explore the Laurent Ferrier ateliers and the meticulous craftsmanship behind the Micro Rotor movement. Discover its innovative features and finishing.

alex

WPS member · Independents forum

39 replies14967 views35 photos

Alex recounts an impromptu visit to the Laurent Ferrier ateliers in Geneva, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind their Micro Rotor model. The post details the final assembly process, highlighting the dedication of each watchmaker and the innovative technical features, such as the double direct impulse escapement and optimized winding system. This behind-the-scenes look provides valuable insight into the brand's commitment to haute horlogerie.

I recently stopped by the Laurent Ferrier ateliers in Geneva for a vist for someting special...but more of this later

I had the opportunity to see them working on the final assembly of new Micro Rotor model with a double direct impulse which were being cased and ready to ship out.

There are currently 6 watchmakers working at Ferrier each responsible of the finish of components, complete assembly, casing and testing of the timepiece he/she is working on (close to 4 weeks per watch is requested for the Micro Rotor)

On the way to the upper floors where the workshops are located a small area with some of the awards won by the brand.

The team working on the Micro-Rotors

Anglage

polishing of the angles

the assembled movement without the escapement. Love the original shape of the escapement bridge on the lower left hand side

The rotor is help by a gorgeously finished bridge, notice the pawl a top the rotor, this system supposedly maximizes the winding efficiency (which is an issue with micro rotors)

The 72 hour power reserve is obtained via one barrel

I'm a sucker for fine finish and the Micro Rotor finish is a sight for sore eyes!

perlage on the main plate

the balance bridge

the rotor holder

rotor ratchet

Silicon escapment

The escapement (which is a double impulse direct escapement) is really delicate and is assembled under a microscope. This is one of the more painstaking tasks as it requires great dexterity and may require the watchmaker to disassemble and reassemble to get the tolerances right.

Interestingly the brand needed to modify its Witchi timing machines whcih could not interpret the double impulses from the escapement!

The piece made for Only Watch ready to be delivered

White gold and slate grey dial

rose gold with slate grey dial

white gold with silver dial

white gold with black dial

one of each please!

Laurent Ferrier and his team

Key Points from the Discussion

Laurent Ferrier, alongside Dufour and Voutilainen, represents a new wave of 'instant darlings' among independents, succeeding by creating traditional, conservative, and classical watches with exceptionally high levels of finish.
The Micro Rotor's superb and beautifully decorated movement is a testament to Laurent Ferrier's craftsmanship.
The Laurent Ferrier Micro Rotor is considered to have a higher level of finish than a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine, though not quite reaching the level of a Dufour due to fewer interior angles, but its technical innovations like the efficient winding system and double impulse escapement are impressive.
Laurent Ferrier watches are praised as 'real gems,' standing apart from excessive marketing-driven watches by embodying horology, soul, elegance, and understatement.
The Micro Rotor's finish is a 'sight for sore eyes,' but some collectors express a preference for removing the rotor entirely, regardless of its micro size.
Laurent Ferrier is recognized as an independent watchmaker with great potential, combining clever and innovative movements with beautiful finishing.

The Discussion

andrewluff

Jun 14, 2012

Thanks for sharing Alex, cool pictures and really show off the attention to detail on their pieces. I am a bit surprised that the only watch has not been delivered yet... that was last September?! Cheers Andrew PS. Looking forward to hearing about the visit for the special reason! :)

alex

Jun 14, 2012

fit the new escapement before delivering

Mark in Paris

Jun 14, 2012

and I was really looking forward to seeing more "in the metal" pics instead of adds. When we know how it shows much better in real, I can imagine what it must be from your pictures. Thanks for the share Alex ;) Best, Mark

KIH

Jun 14, 2012

I myself would love to make a factory visit, too! Looking forward to the final ones in the metal! Thanks for sharing, Alex! Ken

Sandgroper

Jun 14, 2012

Beautiful mouvement by design and the finish WOW! admirable. When I see these little ateliers, old memories come rushing with nostalgia. Kind regard Francois

Ken Lo

Jun 14, 2012

Alex, I would appreciate to hear your opinion on how you would compare the craftsmanship of the Laurent Ferrier movement to say those of Philippe Dufour or Kari Voutilainen. I understand LF should at least be a notch above top mass watchmakers such as Patek and A. Lange, but how is its quality in comparison to some of the best independent watchmakers in your eyes?

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