alex
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the "new" independent who made my heart skip a beat
I happened upon the amazing creation of Laurent Ferrier who after 37 years at Patek decided to start a new adventure under his own name. To do so he teamed up with La Fabrique du Temps (Michel Navas and Enrico Babasini the NB of BNB fame who had launched their own movement development ateliers about 2-3 years ago focusing on a more traditional approach to watch making and calibers than what was done at BNB). Laurent Ferrier's son Christian also works for Fabrique du Temps and was responsible for the development of the movement.
The movement is a nod to the Observatory contest tourbillons of the 30s-40s and gorgously finished. The caliber also uses the Straumann double hairspring for greater accuracy (the watches I saw were fast on avegarge 2 seconds /day with a maximum deveiation of 4 seconds!!!!)
The cases are 41mm in diameter and come in either white gold or 2N yellow gold (a vers sublte yellow color) the dials are available in eithe black onyx or white enamel.
I'll try to do a thorough write up on this amazing new kid on the independent block soon but meanwhile here are some scans and for those going to Basel I believe he will be exhibiting in hall 4.
Laurent Ferrier and his son Christian
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the "new" independent who made my heart skip a beat
I happened upon the amazing creation of Laurent Ferrier who after 37 years at Patek decided to start a new adventure under his own name. To do so he teamed up with La Fabrique du Temps (Michel Navas and Enrico Babasini the NB of BNB fame who had launched ...
That is impressive.
Thanks for the news Alex. The tourbilon bridge is unusual, rounded on one arm and flat on the other side. - SJX
some of the bservatory tourbillons by Patek and Vacheron from the 40s had
this kind of tourbillon bridge
That's interesting. I haven't seen this style in a wristwatch before
though I probably have seen pocket watches like that. It looks stunning regardless. - SJX
Great Find, Alex
Thanks for posting this. Lovely classicism in the look and in the finishing. Eager to learn more about these guys. Jeff
Nice find Alex - have to say that it tugs at the heart strings
on this one. As personal preference, I would change the dimensions of the case a little, but the movement is exactly what I love to see. Very nice. Dare I ask, CHF? Thanks for bringing us this. Andrew H
The epitome of a Tourbillon...
I am in awe - nothing superfluous, just chronometrie - thanks for posting this! The Straumann spiral must be of considerable benefit as testified by the growing list of companies that are adopting it: Glashuette Original, Hautlence, Laurent Ferrier ... an...
Double hairspring and tourbillion combination
I just wonder, what is the added benefit of tourbillion in case of double hairspring? If the center of mass of the complete balance stays always in the center - which is the purpouse of the double hairspring. Should the tourbillion compensate the changing...
Count me in among the impressed!!
I look forward to learning more about the watch and the watchmaker. Bill
I love the watch...so sublimely beautiful.
The size is too big for me though...sigh. *CL
talked to him about case size and Mr ferrier said that he could accomodate the
client's requests ie make a slightly smaller or larger case. Here's a wrist shot...
You have a lucky good size wrist :-)
I must say I really drool on this piece. Please tell me the CHF if you have the info. Lovesss*CL
The movement finish...
looks superb and i'd love to get a closer look of it and learn more technical details. I think a light grey dial would be great in the white gold case.
Amazing to say the least!
Beautifully executed! The movement design is stunning! Definitely a welcome and exciting addition to the Independents world! I guess not surprisingly, lots of Patek genes I can spot though. Can't wait to hear/see more!
Beautiful!
...but why can't they make it smaller than 39mm? A bit disappointed.... Ken
see my reply to CL, he can accept to make a smaller or larger case upon
the client's request
THe 37 years
at Patek seems quite apparent to me in the look which reminded me of the Patek repeater 5078 (?) which I happen to dream of. Thanks for sahring and I look forwward to you detailed write-up.
looks nice. Is there a smaller option and with no tourbillon?...
How is the finish compared to Dufour?
for the moment only a tourbillon model is available as for the comparaison with Dufour
I'm tempted to say that the Ferrier finish is all the way on top and amongst the best but contrary to Dufour his movement was not developed to only be a show of his finishing techniques. The Simplicity with all its inward angles is a showpiece of Dufour's...
I lost my jaw
If anyone can find them... Most of the time, I do not appreciate tourbillon because it is just a hole in the dial. But a hidden one make it more appealing. And the finish and the style of it, really reminds Patek and Swiss Watchmaking in general. The Case...
Wow, stunning movement.
Congratulations on that creation. The watch looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing. Vte
A new independent...
Looks interesting; well finished movement, tourbillon with "double spiral," and a reputation to match. Looking forward to learning more about this new independent.
Great find, Alex, thanks...
It is clearly a quality piece, and in terms of its design not an entirely different look to, say, the 'Roman Simplicity'. (That, by the way, is intended as a high compliment). Will you permit an observation, and a question? First, the words 'tourbillon do...
it has a snap on back since Ferrier wanted to have the case back as
pure as possible with no visible screws! However I believe that the watch still retains a water resistance of 30m.
Agree. You Have Found a Watchmaking Bishop....
...and his admirers may make him a Cardinal Someday
This was the first dollars spent from my wallet at Basel 2010
I almost missed the booth until the man came out and gave me a huge handshake...then I saw the watch.
