Laurent Ferrier Sport Reviw

[charger_vital]

Laurent Ferrier Sport




Sourcing the Unknown:
The AD picked up the phone and announced herself after I had waited on a short hold. “Hi” I said, “I am calling out of the blue with a random question and was wondering if you might have some information about Laurent Ferrier?” She paused for a moment, “Yes, we carry Laurent Ferrier. Which model are you interested in?” “Well, that’s just it,” I said. “I am calling about a watch that does not exist.” I let out a nervous laugh, “I love the Grand Sport Tourbillon, but wondered if there might be plans to come out with a time-only version… and if so do you have any information that you could share about it?” Silence fell on the other side of the line. Hearing nothing, I ventured further, “It’s a shot in the dark, but it seems like with the success of the Tourbillon model, they might have plans to announce something more modest.” I could sense some skepticism on the other side of the line. “Sorry,” she said, “who did you say you are you with?” I explained that I was just a common collector, and only had a gut feeling that with the recent success of sports models, especially amongst the independent brands, Laurent Ferrier might have something in the works. She was very careful in how she responded, leaving the possibility open that such a watch could be coming but emphasizing that Laurent Ferrier had not made any public announcements so any information would be speculative. I gently pressed, “I totally understand, and with that in mind, would I be able to put myself on a list of interest in the event such an announcement is made?” I had no history with this store and was completely self-aware about how I might be perceived as someone in the media or some random flipper looking for the next score. She briefly paused again before offering, “I’ll tell you what…We do have some other models here at the store. If you are close by you are welcome to come in and look at them; and perhaps we could discuss more in person.” My spidey senses peaked. It sounded like something might be brewing.

I set an appointment for the next day and took a beautiful Autumn drive down the coastal highway. When I arrived at the shop, they had three stunning models laid out for me already (a salmon and blue Square as well as a Classic Traveler in black). I was even more impressed with the detail and elegance of the models. The AD admitted that she was a little confused by the call the day before because the timing of it seemed like quite a coincidence. But when she was satisfied that I had done my homework about the brand; and that my feeling about a new model was truly built on my sense of the brand and the industry in general, she hit me with something I did not expect: “The timing of your call could not have been better. Laurent Ferrier reached out to its dealers just two days ago to let us know that they will be announcing a sport model based on the tourbillon and asking us what kind of allocations we would want if they can deliver… sometime around Watches and Wonders.” My heart skipped a beat. But then she dropped the bombshell: “Look, I spoke to my manager, and since you are the first person to ask about it, we can offer you to be the first on the list to receive it, if we get one. But I don’t know all the specs or pricing and I would not be able to show you any pictures until it is publicly announced.” I probably answered her question before she finished asking it. “Yes!” I was elated.

The Review - Supple, Balanced, and Restrained:

When I first learned the watch would be made from titanium, I was skeptical. My impression of some titanium watches has been mixed. But weighing in at just under 100g, the Ferrier Sport on the wrist makes me a believer in the titanium trend. Certainly light, yet not at all insufficient like some other titanium and carbon watches I’ve tried on – it has presence but does not sacrifice comfort. Indeed, what’s unique about this watch is the balance it strikes at nearly every turn.




The General Aesthetic:
Remaining true to Laurent Ferrier’s design aesthetic across all model lines, is the Sport’s supple curvature. To the touch, all its transitions from the bracelet to the case to the bezel, are soft and smooth. There are no sharp or hard edges at any angle. Zooming into the micro-details of the finish itself, the brushing is done in such a way that the top surface area also feels soft. Almost like you are touching a silky fabric instead of a metal. Yet the brushed finish dominating the surface area is offset by a thin high polish outline at each transition point in the bracelet and the case. What’s also unique about the brushed finish is its ability to catch and reflect light in a different way than the polished areas. Typically, the brushed finish creates a dense matte type of surface than traps light, which is beautiful especially when contrasted by polished details that make it sparkle (like a Royal Oak for example). The brushed sections on the Laurent Ferrier, however, looks like a shiny metal that has been covered by a thin microfilm to make it reflect a warm glow instead of a bright shine or a non-reflective matte. It is truly mesmerizing in the sun, and more so when inside of a room under dim led lights. The marriage between the soft angles throughout the watch and the warm glow of the finish has produced something with a distinct and definitive design, unique to the Sport.




Proportions:
I have a 7.25 – 7.5” wrist. The case/dial fits in proportionally to the middle square of my wrist, ceding room for the first link on either side to have a prominent space along the top of my wrist before draping down around the side.

The thickness is listed as 13.6mm, which is roughly the same thickness as my Rolex GMT. But owning both watches, the Laurent Ferrier wears much thinner. In fact, after looking at both side by side and wearing both, I still don’t believe that they are the same. The difference is in Laurent Ferrier’s rounded curves and under portion of the case which countersinks comfortably into the wrist. That said, I would not categorize it as a “thin” watch. It has a larger stature than a 5711 or 15202, but less than a modern Rolex Sports.

The dial to bezel ratio is evenly balanced. I would most closely compare it to a 5711 or IWC Ingenieur SL, versus a dial dominant display as seen in the Czapek Antarctique or to a lesser extent, the Lange Od.




The Bracelet:
The bracelet has some excellent features and a one that can be improved. The best part about the bracelet is that it does not flair out at the fist link, so it hugs the wrist without any gaps in the case-to-bracelet transition. For that reason, it can certainly accommodate smaller and/or rounder wrists in a way that the Royal Oak might at times struggle. The taper from case to clasp is very well proportioned. In first seeing pictures, I was afraid that the end link might not be thick enough and/or the taper would be too severe to draw out the “thicker neck” integrated look I that I personally prefer. But on the wrist, it’s incredible and certainly shows the detail of integration nicely without being chunky. And it tapers very nicely to the clasp so it’s more comfortable than some other integrated watches I’ve had (the gen 2 VC Overseas for example is one of my all-time favorite watches but can be a bit chunky to wear since given the bulk and thickness down the bracelet). Though, if I were being picky, I would say that they could have made tapered it more at the clasp like the Speedmaster, for example, for maximum comfort. Leading to my one of my few criticisms of the watch: no micro adjustment. If Laurent Ferrier missed anywhere on this watch, it’s that it does not have a micro adjustment at the clasp. While its absence has not bothered me so far, the micro adjustment is generally very useful. And I think a little extra effort to include it would have gone a long way. Some might be disappointed that it also does not have a quick-change mechanism for a strap change, though I don’t personally care about that since changing the strap is easy enough. Finally, speaking of straps, I am told that Laurent Ferrier will be providing a rubber strap option, which I am looking forward to.



The Dial & Bezel:
This is where the watch makes its statement. The blue opaline dial can at times be matte and darker indoors with low light. In the sun, however, it’s a bright vibrant royal blue with a gradient moving from a bright core to a shaded outer rim. Since the crystal is slightly domed, the complexity of the dial is enhanced to really draw a contrast as the dial leads outboard. I personally also appreciate the absence of branding or other script on the dial. The modern “Laurent Ferrier Geneve” script blends into the dial and is bar far outshined by the mirror polished indicia. To that end, the indicia have a very dress watch look at a distance, and reflect the light in a way that brings a formal appearance to the watch, despite its overall sport design. In a similar vein, the avantgarde sportiness of the rounded square bezel has a crazy contrast against the very traditional onion crown. A similar contrast exists between the very modern sporty look of the date aperture set against the traditional dress look of the small seconds. It evokes a balance that is restrained despite the non-traditional elements that are organized in a non-traditional way.



Final Impression
The watch feels like home on my wrist. It is my ideal fit and size. It’s not flashy and yet as you peer deeper into each of the elements, the subtle luxury becomes more and more prominent at every review. This is a deeply interesting watch that ranges from the simplicity and wearability of a Rolex Explorer to the complexity and finish of a Patek. Best of all for me it feels personalized in a way that more traditional (mass produced) watches do not. For that reason, I’m not sure it will appeal to everyone. You can’t flex with it… that is unless you draw in your company to take a close look.




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[charger_vital]

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[1William]

Great watch and review. Congratulations.

[GB-man]

Fantastic write up. I love titanium and it’s got lume to boot. Would fit right in amongst my collection. What was that company on all the watch dealers websites? Affirm?

[NardinNut]

Great review! I am lusting after this piece. It’s the first sports watch since the white dial 5711 and Everest VC that I truly want. Alas I am nowhere near an AD and doubtful I’d be able to charm one into letting me acquire it (hell I barely charmed my wife into saying yes and that was way easier than ADs nowadays!).

[Allanmodel]

Thanks for the review~~

[Pw92676]

Excellent write up. What a watch, enjoy!

[hoppes-no9]

Great stuff! Thanks for the review

[uniqueMR]

Excellent!!!
Congrats :) :) :)

[CasinoRoyale_007]

Thanks for the review and it looks even better in the light. Can’t wait to see the strap when it is released.

[CanPam]

Congrats and thanks for the review, it looks awesome. Wear it with health!

[ILoveFerrari]

Thank you for taking the time. can you also share with your observations and opinions its movement and finish, when you have a moment. Thank you very much!

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[athens7]

Thanks for taking the time to post this thorough review. As the mainstream watch media is not covering this watch (ostensibly due to its lack of availability), it will fall to owners to inform the community.

I, too am disappointed by the lack of a micro-adjustment feature. I think it should be table stakes for participants in this genre of watch. That said, creating a slim micro-adjustment has proven problematic for many manufacturers. The Sport Auto bracelet has a very smooth and uninterrupted line, which likely would have been difficult to achieve by including an adjustment mechanism.

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by ilovegt

Thank you for taking the time. can you also share with your observations and opinions its movement and finish, when you have a moment. Thank you very much!

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

For the technical details, here is the Salon Des Horlogers description:

"Each LF 270.01 calibre alone requires more than 139 manual finishing operations. For instance, the bridge of the micro-rotor movement is meticulously decorated by hand: the angles are softened then finished with gentian wood or diamantine, while the surface is mirror-polished. In addition, the movement features several internal angles, multiple zinc-polished surfaces and numerous satin-finishing and circular-graining, all executed by hand in the LAURENT FERRIER workshops.

For the first time in the history of LAURENT FERRIER, the micro-rotor is made here in 950 platinum to achieve a more contemporary contrast with the ruthenium-coated bridges. The latter have a horizontal satin finish which offers the movement, a dynamic look that is both very modern but also very intense. Combined with the dark shades of the grade 5 titanium of the bracelet and case; this reinforces the penetrating and sporty character of this new exceptional timepiece."

My Opinion:

The movement aesthetic fits the masculine-sporty character of the watch. The decorative details are subtle; as you look more carefully they draw you in. For example, the mirror polish on the hand-beveled edges are hard to see at first glance, especially since the general shade of the movement is darker. Similarly, the perlage of the main plate is masterful, but also mostly hidden behind the brushed finished top plates. One detail I find very personal and interesting is the micro script on the micro-rotor, but that, like other details really only come to life under a loupe. Like the rest of the watch, however, the movement does not "flex" per se until you start examining it more closely.

Overall, the quality is undeniably there, but the architecture does not hit you with ornate decoration like your Schwarz Etienne Voutilainen or some of the more complicated Pateks or Lange dress watches. Moreover, it's not as interesting of an architecture as Czapek's Antarctique (though in fairness, I think they are in a league of their own). It falls more in line with the more stabilized movements of a 5711 or Lange Od. The brushed finish of the top plates gives it a much more modern look and feel than the geneve stripe or the engraved balance cock, though some folks might prefer ornamental quality of that style. I like both.

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by athens7

Thanks for taking the time to post this thorough review. As the mainstream watch media is not covering this watch (ostensibly due to its lack of availability), it will fall to owners to inform the community.

I, too am disappointed by the lack of a micro-adjustment feature. I think it should be table stakes for participants in this genre of watch. That said, creating a slim micro-adjustment has proven problematic for many manufacturers. The Sport Auto bracelet has a very smooth and uninterrupted line, which likely would have been difficult to achieve by including an adjustment mechanism.

Thanks for reading it!

I would agree that it would be difficult to include a micro-adjustment without sacrificing the continuity of the "infinity" bracelet. In fact, just looking at it, I'm not sure how you would do it without creating an unsightly gap given that style of design. But I am trying to be as objective as I can be without gushing too much about all the exceptional qualities. And a micro adjustment would be nice.

[enjoythemusic]

Wonderful, wonderful review and pics! Thanks for posting charger_vital

[ILoveFerrari]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

For the technical details, here is the Salon Des Horlogers description:



"Each LF 270.01 calibre alone requires more than 139 manual finishing operations. For instance, the bridge of the micro-rotor movement is meticulously decorated by hand: the angles are softened then finished with gentian wood or diamantine, while the surface is mirror-polished. In addition, the movement features several internal angles, multiple zinc-polished surfaces and numerous satin-finishing and circular-graining, all executed by hand in the LAURENT FERRIER workshops.



For the first time in the history of LAURENT FERRIER, the micro-rotor is made here in 950 platinum to achieve a more contemporary contrast with the ruthenium-coated bridges. The latter have a horizontal satin finish which offers the movement, a dynamic look that is both very modern but also very intense. Combined with the dark shades of the grade 5 titanium of the bracelet and case; this reinforces the penetrating and sporty character of this new exceptional timepiece."



My Opinion:



The movement aesthetic fits the masculine-sporty character of the watch. The decorative details are subtle; as you look more carefully they draw you in. For example, the mirror polish on the hand-beveled edges are hard to see at first glance, especially since the general shade of the movement is darker. Similarly, the perlage of the main plate is masterful, but also mostly hidden behind the brushed finished top plates. One detail I find very personal and interesting is the micro script on the micro-rotor, but that, like other details really only come to life under a loupe. Like the rest of the watch, however, the movement does not "flex" per se until you start examining it more closely.



Overall, the quality is undeniably there, but the architecture does not hit you with ornate decoration like your Schwarz Etienne Voutilainen or some of the more complicated Pateks or Lange dress watches. Moreover, it's not as interesting of an architecture as Czapek's Antarctique (though in fairness, I think they are in a league of their own). It falls more in line with the more stabilized movements of a 5711 or Lange Od. The brushed finish of the top plates gives it a much more modern look and feel than the geneve stripe or the engraved balance cock, though some folks might prefer ornamental quality of that style. I like both.

Thank you so much for the review. Truly appreciated it. I was initially skeptical about the price point and quality that I perceive from the initials public pictures. After reading yours, I definitely will try to take a look at a real one myself. Always have great respect for LF.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[yessir69]

Very thoughtful writeup. Thanks for posting.

[GeraldGentaFan]

Thanks for the excellent review and insights!

[RolexSimon]

I've been on the list to get on the list since launch. Keep fingers permanently crossed.

[byr0nic]

For anyone interested, new orders (deposit of 30% required to confirm) via LF directly have a current delivery time estimated at December 2024.

[londonpilgrim]

Originally Posted by byr0nic

For anyone interested, new orders (deposit of 30% required to confirm) via LF directly have a current delivery time estimated at December 2024.

Yes, mine is scheduled for second quarter 2023… which is fine as I have 2 Antarctiques to pay the balance for between now and then.

Thanks for th4 review and photos though - will keep me going until 2023.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by byr0nic

For anyone interested, new orders (deposit of 30% required to confirm) via LF directly have a current delivery time estimated at December 2024.

I inquired when it was announced directly and they never responded. Sort of lost interest but if they had responded at the time similarly I probably would have ordered one.

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by londonpilgrim

Yes, mine is scheduled for second quarter 2023… which is fine as I have 2 Antarctiques to pay the balance for between now and then.

Thanks for th4 review and photos though - will keep me going until 2023.

Ha! I went in reverse order... Have an Antarctique on order (only 1 though). You are a man of distinguished taste.

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I inquired when it was announced directly and they never responded. Sort of lost interest but if they had responded at the time similarly I probably would have ordered one.

C'mon man. Join me on the dark side!

Though I must say, if they were to announce a salmon dial version, it might be worth the pass on the blue. This watch would wear that color so well.

[RobHK]

Originally Posted by byr0nic

For anyone interested, new orders (deposit of 30% required to confirm) via LF directly have a current delivery time estimated at December 2024.

I was quoted 4-5 years here in Hong Kong and I think deposit was 50%.

Wonderful review of a lovely watch!

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

C'mon man. Join me on the dark side!

Though I must say, if they were to announce a salmon dial version, it might be worth the pass on the blue. This watch would wear that color so well.

You’re a lucky man to be enjoying it now! I guess I should have reached out to my retailer instead of emailing the brand direct on the website.

[CasinoRoyale_007]

Originally Posted by GB-man

You’re a lucky man to be enjoying it now! I guess I should have reached out to my retailer instead of emailing the brand direct on the website.

Odd since they’ve always been really responsive to me and, from what I’ve heard, to others too; but I guess it’s inevitable some emails slip through the cracks. Robert is quite a nice guy though, so I don’t think that they’re consciously ignoring folks?

[charger_vital]

I spoke to Robert as well, actually. Nice guy. I uploaded my registration on their website and never received a confirmation. When I emailed them to ask what happened, he sent an email apologizing and mentioned that they had been experiencing problems with their system.

[ILoveFerrari]

who are we talking about here? Are you guys talking about someone from LF directly?