Only Watch serves as a charitable auction with the primary objective of raising funds to support research against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic ailment that progressively affects muscle function.
Once more, LAURENT FERRIER takes great pride in endorsing Luc Pettavino and his dedicated team for the 10th edition of the Only Watch event. To mark this significant occasion, LAURENT FERRIER has meticulously crafted a one-of-a-kind timepiece that encapsulates the brand’s rich heritage.
Conceived as the timepiece Laurent Ferrier and François Servanin, the brand’s two founders, would have cherished during their numerous exploits as racing drivers, the Sport Auto has been reimagined to present an exclusive and entirely new dial design.
RACING TRACK
According to Laurent Ferrier, the utilization of design elements and color in the creative process serves as more than just aesthetic choices; it becomes a means to express one’s personal experiences and passions. The brand’s deep-rooted connection to motor racing dates back to the 1970s when François and Laurent collaborated on multiple occasions to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Their fateful meeting and enduring friendship on the racetrack ultimately gave birth to the brand itself.
This novel and distinctive dial showcases a charcoal grey gradient, reminiscent of the texture of asphalt. Enhanced legibility is achieved through the utilization of white gold Assegai-shaped hands and teardrop-shaped indices, complemented by a white Super-LumiNova luminescent coating. Encircling the dial’s outer edge, a track pattern alternates between yellow and blue from 7 o’clock to 2 o’clock, with a white transition from 2 o’clock to 7 o’clock, mimicking the speed bumps that delineate a racetrack. A green transfer surrounds the hour-circle, while the logo, central cross, and a subtle line below the beveled window all match in white. Positioned at 3 o’clock, the window displays the date. As seen in the Tourbillon models, the composition is completed with a tone-on-tone transfer denoting the ‘Sport Auto’ movement, located between the central hands and the small seconds sub-dial. Lastly, the white small seconds hand, combined with the tone-on-tone ‘OW’ indication, stands out in contrast against the entire dial, symbolizing the finish line or the ultimate goal of the race embodied by this unique timepiece. Safeguarded by a domed sapphire crystal, this exceptional dial is housed within the Sport case.
SPORTY LINES
The case is expertly crafted from grade 5 titanium and boasts a diameter of 41.5 mm. LAURENT FERRIER has introduced a distinctive touch to the barrel-shaped case middle by incorporating a contrasting bezel with smoother contours, evolving from the Square case design. The various finishes applied to each facet of the bezel lend it an aerodynamic allure. The bezel features a circular satin-brushed finish, creating a striking contrast with its mirror-polished edges and the vertically satin-brushed case middle.
Completing the ensemble is an integrated bracelet crafted from grade 5 titanium, skillfully merging vertical satin-brushed and polished surfaces. The central links’ sloping sides also receive a polished treatment. These diverse finishes endow this timepiece with a decidedly mechanical aesthetic—a homage to traditional watchmaking and the world of motor racing.
The LF Maison’s iconic spherical crown, which is secured with a screw-down mechanism, seamlessly integrates with the case middle, offering a comfortable grip for adjusting the automatic movement’s functions. This screw-down crown, combined with a water resistance rating of up to 120 meters, assures the wearer’s daily comfort and peace of mind.
AUTOMATIC CALIBRE
The Maison’s second automatic calendar movement, the LF270.01 calibre, represents an exclusive development by LAURENT FERRIER. While it pays subtle homage to the Micro-Rotor with a natural escapement calibre, it boasts a distinctive and sportier style. The entire movement, from design to decoration, assembly, and adjustment, takes place within the workshops of LAURENT FERRIER.
In contrast to the delicate nature of the natural escapement, this movement is better suited for sports watches and features a Swiss lever escapement that utilizes an off-centered micro-oscillating weight self-winding system. To enhance its resistance to shocks and vibrations, the movement incorporates a unidirectional ball bearing, replacing the traditional pawl-fitted system. Similar to a balance wheel, the micro-rotor includes a platinum 950 oscillating weight positioned directly between the plate and the bridge, ensuring optimal stability and maximum winding efficiency. When fully wound, this calibre offers an impressive power reserve of over 72 hours.
A FANTASTIC EYE FOR DETAIL
A sapphire glass case back, securely fastened with specialized screws reminiscent of those employed in automotive sports, offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a movement that embodies the core principles of the brand’s inaugural automatic movement.
The LF 270.01 calibre undergoes no less than 139 meticulous manual finishing procedures. Notably, the micro-rotor movement’s bridge receives intricate handcrafted embellishments: angles are carefully softened and polished with gentian and diamantine, while the surface achieves a mirror-like polish. The movement showcases various inward angles, multiple zinc-polished facets, and numerous satin-brushed and circular-grained textures, all meticulously crafted within the confines of LAURENT FERRIER’s workshops. The bridges, coated with ruthenium, bear a horizontal satin-brushed finish.
As a testament to the confluence of remarkable encounters and profound passions, the ‘Sport Auto On Track’ pays homage to both the illustrious heritage of LAURENT FERRIER and the legacy of Only Watch. Undoubtedly, the design and engineering of the Sport Auto On Track will captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, and it is our aspiration that its success will yield substantial contributions to support this noble cause.
For more information, please visit OnlyWatch2023.com.