Laurent Ferrier Micro-Rotor: Movement & Siblings

quattro · 2025-10-19T14:26:11Z

Explore the rare Laurent Ferrier Micro-Rotor 'Aurel Bacs' special edition, its Patek Philippe inspiration, and comparisons to other unique LF models. A must-read for collectors.

quattro

WPS member · Independents forum

12 replies1172 views19 photos

quattro's insightful post delves into the rarely seen Laurent Ferrier Micro-Rotor 'Aurel Bacs' special edition, a steel timepiece distinguished by its 'scientific' sector dial and sword hands. This article explores its unique design, its inspiration from a vintage Patek Philippe pocket watch, and its relationship to other notable Laurent Ferrier models, providing essential context for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Emmanuel's detailed comparison highlights the subtle yet significant differences that define each reference.

Not often seen is this steel special edition of the Laurent Ferrier Micro-Rotor with a 'scientific' sector dial and sword hands.

credit: Revolution & Auro Montanari

It was created by Aurel Bacs, here on the left with Alex Ghotbi on the right, both sporting their special Laurent Ferrier Micro-Rotor watches:

credit: Phillips Watches

The source of inspiration was probably this Patek Philippe pocket watch from 1924 with its original antimagnetic observatory contest case and original contest silver sector dial, a watch which was awarded a First Prize at the Timing Contest of 1931 with 782 marks out of a possible 1000:

credit: Christie’s

The particular example of the Aurel Bacs Micro-Rotor presented above and below, featuring a vintage Gay Frères bracelet, belongs to and is worn by Auro Montanari, aka John Goldberger:

credit: Revolution & @montanariauro

The watch was also photographed, with bracelet and strap, by Hodinkee:

credit: Hodinkee

This Aurel Bacs special edition shares some similarities with three other models, but should not be confused with them :

1) The Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin for Revolution & The Rake on the steel beads of rice bracelet (which was directly inspired by the Aurel Bacs watch, but has assegai hands and numerals placed outside of the sector line instead of inside):

credit: Hairspring

2) The Galet Square Unique Piece for Only Watch 2015:

credit: A Collected Man

3) And finally, the Galet Square Vintage 1 Limited Edition for Chicago retailer Swiss Fine Timing (10-piece):

credit: Hodinkee

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The Aurel Bacs Laurent Ferrier Micro-Rotor, while unique, faces aesthetic competition from its 'sibling' references, with some collectors preferring the Galet Square for Only Watch or the LF Classic Origin on a beads-of-rice bracelet.
The original author, quattro, acknowledges the 'strange' indexes of the Aurel Bacs watch but appreciates its direct resemblance to the Patek Philippe pocket watch, particularly the placement of numerals within the sector line. He also finds the other Laurent Ferrier models, especially the Square Vintage 1, very attractive.
quattro expresses a preference for assegai hands over luminous hands on such a watch, suggesting a potential aesthetic conflict with the Aurel Bacs model's sword hands, though he notes this could change upon seeing the watch in person.

The Discussion

Oct 19, 2025

The Aurel Bacs watch is certainly quite nice but I find myself drawn more to the "similar" watches you show, especially the Galet Square for Only Watch with the LF Classic Origin on beads of rice bracelet in the runner up spot. Thanks for posting. M4

quattro

Oct 19, 2025

I find the indexes of the Aurel Bacs watch a bit strange, but I like the resemblance with the PP pocket watch, with the numerals inside the sector line instead of outside. That said, I find the other watches, including the Square Vintage 1 (and maybe particularly this last one), very attractive. Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Oct 19, 2025

I'm glad this post brought something new. Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Oct 19, 2025

Thanks for sharing. Wonderful. Best, Emmanuel PS: it is the Vintage 1, isn't it?

quattro

Oct 20, 2025

I think I might prefer the assegai here because I’m not fond of luminous hands on such a watch. But I could feel differently in real life of course. Best, Emmanuel

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