Independents

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...  

Thank you so much for making us discover Laurent ferrier's Universe and watches! Best, Nicolas

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 ... 

... 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... 

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 ... 

... 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... 

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... 

.... bring with you Olivier's creation as well, please? Hoping to see you soon! Best, Ken

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Thanks Ken, learned alot. Don

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... 

.. 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

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... 

... 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

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... 

.. 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... 

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... 

.. 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... 

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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... 

... is already on their website: Click here - #echappement Enjoy! Ken

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.

Thanks. How have you been? Yes, I am very much looking forward to their Chapter 3. Ken

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.

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

Would have loved to sit in on the LF-Hirota talk. Cheers, - SJX

... excellent! Ken

For a very well crafted interview.:) I would love to see one of Mr LF gorgeous pieces in the flesh.

I love the philosophy of Mr Laurent Ferrier in regard to business and products that one produces. Kind regards, Francois

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:)

... 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

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... 

.. 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... 

Wish i could have been there! But in any case, glad you all enjoyed it for me! Tschuss Stephen

How is everything? Are you coming this month for that event?

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

...on a genuine gentleman and a beautiful marque ! Thanks Ken. Rob

I didn't know such story about him and the brand either! Ken

To see his watches in the metal someday.

... one watch to remember... to me anyway. 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

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

Thank you. Vte :)

Great questions, great answers. Laurent Ferrier is very interesting. The man, the watches, his story are all very interesting. I really appreciate this post.

... Mr. Pulli and thank you! Ken

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... 

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