Laurent Ferrier is widely known for creating classical watches imbued with traditional watchmaking crafts and mechanical excellence. Now, the esteemed Genevan atelier has crafted a new contemporary watch, the Grand Sport Tourbillon, which upholds the company’s no-compromise approach to watchmaking. Housed in a sporty 44mm stainless steel case, this is the brand’s first model equipped with an integrated stainless-steel bracelet. This new addition to Laurent Ferrier’s portfolio of models features a tourbillon, double balance spring and the firm’s legendary exalted finishing.

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon With Steel Bracelet
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon

A Passion for Sport

During the 1970s, Laurent Ferrier was often seen behind the wheel of a racing car. He competed in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans seven times and secured a victory in the two-litre prototype category in 1977. Laurent competed at Le Mans again in 1979 and came third in the overall ranking along with his teammate, François Servanin. Interestingly, Paul Newman came second in the race.

The New Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO

François Servanin and Laurent Ferrier cofounded the prestigious Maison in 2008 and François is now the president of the company. The men’s shared passion for motorsport is an important part of the firm’s DNA.

Laurent’s love of sport led to the creation of a new limited-edition watch, the Grand Sport Tourbillon. While this latest model is contemporary, it does not eschew the Maison’s penchant for traditional craftsmanship and technical excellence.

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO

A Grand Sport Design

The Grand Sport Tourbillon is housed in a 44mm stainless steel case and predominantly features circular satin-finished elements. The bezel is cushion-shaped but encompasses contrasting mirror-polished flanks. The middle of the case has a barrel-shaped outline, yet, consistent with other Laurent Ferrier timepieces, every constituent of the case coalesces harmoniously.

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO  Watch Review
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO

For the first time, the Maison has equipped a watch with an integrated stainless steel bracelet. The central row of the 3-rows design is comprised of vertical satin finished links. The rounded edges of the links are presented in a contrasting mirror-polish. These details imbue the bracelet and case ensemble with a sumptuous appearance.

The New Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO

The present-day styling encompasses an opaline dial which transitions from blue at its centre to black near its periphery. Both the hands and indexes feature orange Super-LumiNova, vitalising the overall composition. A snailed small seconds display resides above 6 o’clock and sits beneath a gently arcing tinted sapphire crystal, granting a rounded appearance when viewed from the side.

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Movement
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon

An Effective Calibre

In 2010, Laurent Ferrier won the ‘Best Men’s Watch Award’ at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix (GPHG) for its Classic Tourbillon. This watch was equipped with an ingenious hand-wound movement featuring a tourbillon and a double balance spring. The new Grand Sport Tourbillon is endowed with the same movement, albeit presented in a contemporary finish.

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Watch Movement
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon

When Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the tourbillon in 1801, his invention countered the adverse influence of gravity on the regulating organ within a pocket watch whilst held in a vertical position. By equipping the balance with two reverse-fitted balance springs, the lateral displacement of the balance axis is also neutralised. The integration of both systems combines these respective benefits, conferring excellent precision. Indeed, this has been independently validated by the Besançon observatory, culminating in the award of chronometer certification.

A Keen Sense Of Detail

The tourbillon, consistent with the discreet nature of the brand, is only visible via the sapphire case back, which, in turn, is secured with bolts akin to those used in motorsport. The movement features a long-blade-type ratchet pawl system, delivering a reassuring click as the watch is wound. Laurent Ferrier has embellished the movement with a horizontal satin-brushed finish and a ruthenium treatment, reinforcing the sporty character of the watch.

While the Grand Sport Tourbillon appears contemporary, it continues to uphold the traditions so dear to Laurent Ferrier. The tourbillon carriage bridge is painstakingly decorated by hand. Furthermore, the movement features mirror polishing and 30 hand-crafted interior angles, details which are highly prized by aficionados.  

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Men Watches
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO

Laurent Ferrier has never forgotten the importance of ‘feel’. When the legendary watchmaker was competing in his Porsche 935T, he would have felt the road through his fingertips and the seat of his racing overalls. His watches pay due consideration to the notion of tactility. This includes the feel of the crown when the watch is wound, the smooth unobtrusive crown guards sitting close to the wearer’s wrist and, most pertinently, the comfortable ergonomic relationship between the wearer and their Grand Sport Tourbillon.

Like all Laurent Ferrier creations, the Grand Sport Tourbillon, due to its protracted creation, will be very exclusive and, in this instance, will be limited to just 12 pieces.

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Watch Review
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon

Technical specifications:

Reference: LCF041.2.AC.C1GO

Movement:

•           Manual winding

•           Diameter: 14’’’ (Ø 31.60 mm)

•           Thickness: 5.57 mm

•           Frequency: 3Hz (21600 vibrations/hour)

•           Power reserve: 80 hours

•           188 mechanical parts / 23 jewels

•           Hours and minutes in the centre

•           Small seconds at 6 o’clock on tourbillon frame pivot

•           Tourbillon rotating cage visible through sapphire case back

•           Horizontal satin brushed bridges with a ruthenium treatment

Tourbillon Features:

•           Tourbillon, opposite double balance spring

•           Swiss” lever escapement

•           Balance at variable geometry, with screw

•           Tourbillon frame carrier in periphery

Case:

•           Stainless steel

•           Dimensions: 44 mm

•           Middle and bezel hooked, screwed bottom

•           Sapphire bottom, tourbillon movement vision

•           Water resistant at 100 meters

•           Tinted sapphire glass

•           Satin finishing on the sides and polished bezel

•           Sporty bolts on the case back

Dial:

•           Gradient blue opaline in centre and black at the periphery

•           Small second at 6 o’clock

•           Indexes: 18K/750 210Pd white gold with orange Super-Luminova

Hands:

•           18K/750 210Pd white gold

•           Hours and minutes: ‘’Assegai-shaped’’ with orange Super-Luminova

•           Seconds: baton-type

Strap:

•           Stainless steel integrated bracelet with 3 links

•           Folding clasp

The price for the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon ref. LCF041.2.AC.C1GO CHF 172,000 (excl. taxes) and is limited edition to 12 pieces.

For more information please visit Laurent Ferrier Online.