Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Square-Double Balance-Spring Tourbillon

In 2010, Geneva based independent luxury replica watch maker Laurent Ferrier unveiled its first collection Galet with the first model: The Galet Classic Tourbillon Double Hairspring, which also won the Geneva Replica Watchmaking Grand Prix in 2010.

At Baselworld 2015, Laurent Ferrier unveiled the Galet Square, hosting a Micro-Rotor with a natural escapement, it was immediately awarded with the Horological Revelation Prize by the Geneva Replica Watchmaking Grand Prix. On the occasion of SIHH 2016, Laurent Ferrier unveiled a new model, perfect fusion between his two creations: The Galet Classic Square Tourbillon Double
Hairsping.

Inspired by expertise now over 200 years old, the Galet Classic incorporates an avant-garde technique that ensures exceptional precision. It is equipped with a tourbillon device conceived by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, complemented by two head-to-tail mounted balance-springs in the centre of the balance. The main advantage of this construction developed by Laurent Ferrier lies in maintaining the centre of the balance firmly on its axis, while compensating for the effects of gravity. This approach guarantees the extreme reliability of the regulating system. The calibre construction is inspired by 19th century chronometry models with their manual winding system featuring a long-blade-type ratchet pawl system distinguished by the delicate mechanical clicking sound emitted during winding. The movement is finished with extreme care, as evidenced by the manual decoration on the tourbillon carriage bridge.


As in the previous version, the Galet Classic maintains its trademark design features inspired by the large 19th century chronometers: the manual-winding system appears without the modern winding-stem pull-out piece spring, replaced by a “long blade” ratchet pawl with a smoothly round-polished finish hand-crafted in the in-house workshops.

This component may be admired through the back of the case, protected by a sapphire crystal that also provides views of the manual finishing of the calibre – performed in harmony with the most demanding standards of traditional Fine Replica Watchmaking. The bridges are adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif, the mainplate is circular-grained, the sharp edges and interior angles are chamfered and hand-polished, and the screw heads are also polished.

Its evolution has been gentle and gradual, like the curves of minerals polished by the waves. The pebble, stemming from centuries of the incessantly repeated work of nature, embodies the purest expression of gentle shapes. For Laurent Ferrier, the Galet is the perfect integration of all parts of a case, as if one were holding a pebble in one’s hand. The whole challenge lay in preserving the spirit of the Galet, and of interpreting this new shape into the initial project without making a break with the past.

Laurent Ferrier humbly decided to approach his original Galet by starting with a blank page. Purpose and design met and mingled under the swift strokes of his pencil, until a whole new shape was reached that is a first in the brand’s collections. Technically speaking, the original Galet has become a square leaning towards a cushion shape. Laurent Ferrier has devoted particular attention to the aesthetic harmony of the model.

The new Galet Classic Square Tourbillon features a subtly decorated white grand feu enamel dial. It is punctuated by a hollowed small seconds at 6 o’clock swept over by “assegai-shaped” gold hour and minute hands, along with a baton-type seconds hand. Like all Laurent Ferrier timepieces, it is perfectly readable thanks to the graphic arrangement of the roman numerals black painted.

The Galet Classic Square Tourbillon is equipped with a black alligator leather strap with Alcantara lining and finished with a pin buckle or folding two blades 18K white gold.

Technical details
Model: Galet Classic Square – Double Balance-Spring Tourbillon
Reference LCF018-G

Movement
Calibre reference: LF 619.01
Hand-wound movement, chronometer-certified
Diameter: 14’’’ ( Ø 31.60 mm)
Thickness: 5.57 mm
Frequency: 3Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
Power reserve: 80 hours
188 parts
23 jewels
Central hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o’clock on the tourbillon carriage pivot
Tourbillon carriage visible through the case-back

Tourbillon mechanism
– Tourbillon, two top-to-tail balance springs
– Two Geneva-type balance-spring stud-holders
– Swiss lever escapement with steel escape-wheel and lever
– Variable-geometry balance with gold adjustment screws
– Peripheral tourbillon carriage driving system

Case
18K / 210Pd non-rhodium plated white gold
Three parts: case middle, bezel and snap-on case-back
Size: 41,5 mm x 41,5 mm
Thickness: including the sapphire crystal 12.70 mm
Sapphire crystal case-back
Water-resistant to 30 metres
“Ball-shaped” crown in 18K/ 210Pd white gold

Dial
White Grand Feu enamel roman numerals in black
Small second hand recessed at 6 o’clock


Hands
Hours & minutes: assagai
Second: baton poised
Black, white gold, treated black ruthenium

Strap
Black or taupe alligator leather, alcantara lining
18K white gold 16 mm pin buckle or double-blade folding clasp