KIH
[Purist]
12054
That was the reason why Micro-Rotor delayed...
.. to see whether it will really work for a long time. They say, they don't tolerate even smallest risk of sacrificing reliability and durability.
The key points to make this really work (btw, Kari Voutilainen's Vingt-8 has almost same mechanism, although he does not measure its accuracy), precise parts. Very low tolerance of error on the parts side. And the parts must be durable, as well as light to save the torque. So, they used a special alloy for the escape wheels made by the most precise machines, and used silicon for the ankle.
FYI, most watches have torque of around 1000g. The smallest is around 500g. And this escapement requires just 580g. Made so efficient. And at first, the oscillation angle was almost 340, so they adjusted down to 290. A very efficient machine.
Also, the micro rotor does not use any bearing balls. It rolls around the "clicking system" which is directly connected the winding mechanism to the barrel.
This efficiency made the PR up to 72 hours (really it is 75-76 hours, though). And this escapement mechanism and stable oscillation angle makes the torque stable during that 72 hours, thus contributes their 5 sec a day guarantee. They guarantee 3 sec per day for their Tourbillon. And their warranty period is 5 years. Not one, not two, but FIVE years.
Technically interesting enough? I myself can't get into more details, but certainly can do some research and answer here.
Thank you for reading!
Ken
Interview with Mr. Laurent Ferrier
Interview with Mr. Laurent Ferrier. Messrs. Laurent Ferrier and Olivier Muller came to Japan to hold events for the owners and those who are interested in the brand. I had a lucky opportunity to meet with Mr. Laurent Ferrier himself for the first time and...
Superb write up and interview, Ken.
Thank you so much for making us discover Laurent ferrier's Universe and watches! Best, Nicolas
It was a pleasure to read this Ken!
The more I read and learn about LF the more convinced I am that it is definitely a contender for the long run in terms of finish and design, especially having seen some of their pieces (yours of course is something to behold). I certainly look forward to ...
My friend....
... thank you for nice words. They are truly "watchnuts" combined with healthy operational management. I am even more impressed by that. I don't know how many independent are making money today, but they are certainly one of a few, I believe. Yes, I can't...
My vision of PuristS is similar to Laurent Ferrier
Mr Laurent Ferrier said this about Japan: ".....very clean streets, polite, kind, rational and sensible people, on-time and safe public transportation, wonderful foods..." That culture and attitude is similar to my vision of PuristS seeking perfection in ...
He also said...
... we started as a " pure " group of watch making without any marketing or business plan. The new watch of our own brand came first, above all. So, when the first watch was finished, we got all excited and celebrated but when we got back to ourselves, we...
Great article Ken! The flow of the piece is excellent
and you really captured the enthusiasm and honesty that flow from the watchmaker into his watch. Since my first dinner with Mr. Ferrier, the "pure" nature of his design and ultimate creation are paramount producing true modern classics. He simply makes gr...
Next time you are in Tokyo...
.... bring with you Olivier's creation as well, please? Hoping to see you soon! Best, Ken
This thread is a nice surprise,
It's maybe been a year since I first heard of LF watches and the attraction kept on growing. But in spite of the fact everybody knew he had been working for more than 30 years for PP, we (or should I say at least "I") didn't have much info about LF himsel...
I didn't know the details of Mr. LF himself..
.. and the interview was full of surprises, too. I am glad I spent such a long time with a quiet, but very passionate gentleman. Ken
Ken, wonderful interview
Even though I have met Mr. Ferrier and Mr. Muller on a couple of occasions, I learned a lot about Mr. Ferrier and the entire brand in your condensed interview that I did not know. And it all seems good news. I have to add these are two wonderful gentlemen...
Thanks, Bart! Yes...
... they are bunch of watchnuts like us and Olivier is steering clear the troubles. Very impressive combination. They are THE independent company. Or, soon, no longer "independent" but they will be an established brand, despite smallish. Ken
Impressive that they pulled off the Echappement Naturale
From all I have read about this particular escapement, it should not have worked, but Daniels did not really elaborate on why it didn't work as well in the modern age. I would be extremely curious to see how LF is making this very rare escapement work pro...
That was the reason why Micro-Rotor delayed...
.. to see whether it will really work for a long time. They say, they don't tolerate even smallest risk of sacrificing reliability and durability. The key points to make this really work (btw, Kari Voutilainen's Vingt-8 has almost same mechanism, although...
Ken,great info
Sounds like you have a very good grasp regarding some or their technological innovations, which are impressive. For me one of the key features of a fine watch is the winding feel. To my liking, best I have ever felt is a Lange PLM. Others such as Datograp...
Winding feel...
.. Tourbillon - very light with very comfortable clicking feel - similar mechanism to do that as Simplicity using special spring. Micro-Rotor - not as creamy as well-serviced manual winding Lange, Lange 1 or Dato or whichever, but not as clicky as tourbil...
Ken, excellent info
I envy your insider knowledge on their work! Makes more sense now. I'd love to see a video of the escapement in action, and would love to hear more about the tolerances they use on specific parts of the escapement, if you can share. It's really exciting t...
Escapement movie...
... is already on their website: Click here - #echappement Enjoy! Ken
Wonderful report Ken, thanks for sharing.
For a relatively new brand like LF to be breaking even so early is a great thing. Can't wait to see what the future has to offer.
Long time no see Jorge!
Thanks. How have you been? Yes, I am very much looking forward to their Chapter 3. Ken
I have been well my friend.
Thanks for asking, I am always around just lurking and reading the wonderful posts. I was with some of the good ole boys in NYC earlier this month and your name was brought up and we all would have loved to see you. Hope your doing well my friend.
Thank you, I would LOVE to see you all again in NY or anywhere!
Wish you all the well being and let us get together if and when the opportunity arises! Give my best regards to all. Best, Ken
Thanks for the interesting interview KIH
Would have loved to sit in on the LF-Hirota talk. Cheers, - SJX
Thanks Ken........
For a very well crafted interview.:) I would love to see one of Mr LF gorgeous pieces in the flesh.
Very nice interview Ken, very eye opening answers...
I love the philosophy of Mr Laurent Ferrier in regard to business and products that one produces. Kind regards, Francois
You are right Ken, very Purist indeed. Now...
Am I to understand that the micro rotor was created/inveted by Laurent Ferrier? Cheers. Francois PS: I also agree totally with what he said about Japan and Japanese, love both:)
Basically, the idea comes from Laurent...
... and development team will discuss the details. Final "say" still resides with Laurent. Thank you, Francois, for very, very nice words. I am so grateful and encouraged. I do hope to visit Australia one day soon, too! Ken
Dear Ken, first of all, please believe that you are very.....
very welcome here in Perth when you decide to come to Australia, as you know the country is big and Perth may be a little far but here you will find nice people welcoming you, for sure. Now can I assume that, perhaps, Laurent Ferrier is the person who was...
Well, he doesn't elaborate...
.. but his last position was Product Development Department and he was involved in the development of the movement. After all, he is a watchmaker who started his career at Patek in the Movement Department and he knows too well about these. So, he just can...
Excellent report!
Wish i could have been there! But in any case, glad you all enjoyed it for me! Tschuss Stephen
I am already in Japan my friend
But just not in Tokyo! And then have to make a quick flight across the ocean, and hopefully can make it back again that day! I'll probably be late. But in any case, hope to see you there! Tschuss Stephen
Excellent report...
...on a genuine gentleman and a beautiful marque ! Thanks Ken. Rob
Unexpected informative interview. Perhaps I will get...
To see his watches in the metal someday.
Great report, Ken!
As tahoeblue said, even those of us who have met Mr. Ferrier and Mr. Muller before learned a lot through your thoughtful interview. The micro rotor is definitely on my list -- and it will be very interesting to see what is next! Best, Gary G
Good to hear from you, Gary!
Yes, Mr. Ferrier is a very calm gentleman, but with good stubbornness inside. I, too, am looking forward their "Chapter 3" to be announce at the next Basel! Hope to see you guys again soon. Ken
A great post!
Great questions, great answers. Laurent Ferrier is very interesting. The man, the watches, his story are all very interesting. I really appreciate this post.
Great Interview!
Congratulations to Mr. Ferrier for seeing his long-time dream come to fruition. I'm happy to hear that reliability was a priority when the movements were being developed, as evidenced by the cautious approach taken with the delayed introduction of the Gal...
Thanks for the interview, Ken
I like Laurent Ferrier's principle in watchmaking. And I certainly like his watches. LF is a serious contender in high end watchmaking. I wish them all the best as not many independent watchmakers can survive well out there. Regards Ling