Hands-On Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon
Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon
Before we start our hands-on Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon review, I’d like to spend a few words on the watch maker first. Laurent Ferrier has come a long way, but was able to put himself on the independent watchmaking map quite rapidly. Founded in 2008, Laurent Ferrier managed to win the Best Men’s Watch award only two years later at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix in 2010. The jury, consisting of international experts, was impressed with the innovative yet classic design of the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon. Featuring a double balance spring. Laurent Ferrier will enter the books as the youngest brand ever to win this prestigious award.
The Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon (although in red gold) is actually quite a low profile watch with the tourbillon only visible from the back. Inspired by 19th century pocket watches the design has a clean, very classic look with the ivory dial and roman numerals. Creating a dial is done by cutting out the round shape from a plate of gold or copper. After coating it with enamel powder it is fired in an furnace at a temperature between 800° to 1200° Celsius. When the enameling is done, only the immaculate dials are selected for finishing with the printing of the roman numerals. In a later process the seconds sub dial is carefully cut out by a craftsman, making sure not to chip the enamel, and welded back in slightly lower to add depth. Brown alligator is used for the strap of the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon and this gives a very nice contrast with the red gold case. The inner side of the strap has an alcantara lining (shown below) for extra comfort. 
The in-house movement and tourbillon complication are developed, assembled and adjusted entirely in the Laurent Ferrier workshops. The movement of the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon features a unique double balance-spring. If you look at the close-up above of the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon you can see the double spring and mount clearly, especially where there are fixed. While the tourbillon compensates for the effect of gravity on the balance wheel and escapement, the double balance-spring neutralises the lateral displacement of the balance axis. Resulting in the best accuracy possible from a mechanical movement. All parts of the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon movement are hand-finished to make sure they are all impeccable. Edges of the plates and bridges are bevelled by hand, just like the tourbillon cage. This is done to ensure the best reflection of light and better resistance in the long term. Inspiration for the shape of the hands comes from an assagai, a spear most known from it’s use in Africa mostly. 
During the Baselworld presentation Laurent Ferrier also showed us the ‘Sparkling‘ version of the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon. With a case in white gold and 48 baguette-cut, 3-carat diamonds that are set invisible. Setting diamonds invisible is extremely complex and needs to de done very precise with as much as zero tolerance. 
For more information about Laurent Ferrier and the Galet Classic collection please visit the official website.
Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon Specifications:
Technical details Movement LF619.01
- Diameter: 14’’’ ( Ø 31.60 mm)
- Thickness: 5.57 mm
- Frequency: 3Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Hand-wound movement
- 188 parts / 23 jewels
- Central hours & minutes
- Small seconds at 6 o’clock on the tourbillon carriage pivot
- Tourbillon carriage visible through the case-back
- Tourbillon, two head-to-tail mounted balance-springs
- Two Geneva-type balance-spring studs
- Swiss lever escapement
- Variable-geometry balance with adjustment screws
- Peripheral tourbillon carriage driving system
Specs:
- Dial in white or ivory grand feu enamel with black painted Roman numerals
- Dial in black onyx with white painted Roman numerals
- Onion shaped crown in same material as case
- Applied hollowed small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, red-painted counter (enamel only)
- Assegai-shaped hour and minute hands in 18K gold
- Balanced baton-shaped seconds hand in 18K gold
- Alligator strap with Alcantara lining
Below you will find a gallery of the photos we took of the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon timepieces. All photos in this article can be clicked for larger versions.
