LAURENT FERRIER joins hands with Luc Pettavino and his team for the 10th edition of Only Watch, a charity auction aimed at raising funds for research against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a relentless genetic disease that progressively debilitates the muscles. The watch, aptly named the Sport Auto On Track, is a manifestation of what Laurent Ferrier and François Servanin, the brand’s founders, would have envisioned as their ideal timepiece during their adventures as racing drivers. It’s more than just a watch; it’s a piece of history, a symbol of passion, and a tribute to the enduring bond forged between Laurent and François on the racetrack, which eventually led to the birth of the brand itself.
At first glance, the watch’s most striking feature is its distinctive dial, which is a masterpiece in itself. The dial’s charcoal grey gradient shades bear a striking resemblance to the texture of asphalt, evoking the sensation of being on the race circuit. The white gold Assegai-shaped hands and drop-shaped indices, treated with white Super-LumiNova luminescent coating, ensure exceptional legibility in all conditions.
But it’s not just aesthetics; the dial tells a story. The outer edge of the dial mimics the track pattern, alternating between yellow and blue from 7 o’clock to 2 o’clock, akin to the speed bumps that delineate a racetrack. The hour-circle is encircled by a green transfer, while the logo, central cross, and the thin transfer underlining the beveled date window are all in matching white. Speaking of the date window, it’s positioned at 3 o’clock, making it both functional and elegant.
The watch’s small second counter, also in white, features the ‘Sport Auto’ movement, echoing the thrill of the race. The white small second hand, along with the tone-on-tone ‘OW’ indication, adds a sense of competition to the dial, almost like it’s marking the finish line of a race. To protect this exceptional dial, LAURENT FERRIER employs a domed sapphire crystal, ensuring durability while maintaining the watch’s elegance.
The Sport Auto On Track is not just about the dial; the entire timepiece exudes excellence. The case is constructed from grade 5 titanium, measuring 41.5 mm in diameter, and showcases a contrasting bezel with softer features, a nod to the Square case design. The bezel’s circular satin-brushed finish complements the mirror-polished sides and vertical satin-brushed case middle, giving the watch a sleek and aerodynamic appearance, reminiscent of a high-performance racing car.
The integrated bracelet, also made from grade 5 titanium, adds to the mechanical aesthetics of the watch, with vertical satin-brushed and polished sides on the central links. The iconic ball-shaped crown, a signature of the LF Maison, is integrated seamlessly into the case middle, offering both elegance and practicality.
Beneath the striking exterior lies the LF270.01 calibre, an exclusive development by LAURENT FERRIER. This automatic movement features a Swiss lever escapement with an off-centered micro-oscillating weight self-winding system, designed for increased shock and vibration resistance. The micro-rotor is made of platinum 950 and placed between the plate and the bridge for stability and optimal winding power. With a power reserve of over 72 hours, this movement is a testament to the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and precision.
The intricate details continue on the movement, with more than 139 manual finishing operations, including hand-decorated bridges, softened angles, mirror polishing, satin-brushed and circular-grained finishes, and ruthenium-coated bridges with horizontal satin-brushed finish. It’s a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every LAURENT FERRIER timepiece.
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