With not many compelling watch debuts so far this year, leave it to an independent watchmaker to bring something interesting to the market.
The Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit introduces nothing new from Laurent Ferrier in terms of the watch or the movement. We’ve already covered no less than three variations of the same 44 mm x 13.4 mm Grand Sport Tourbillon case here, here, and here. And the renowned caliber LF619.01 tourbillon movement has been around for over a decade.
What’s new, is the rather sublime combination of a grade 5 lightweight matte titanium case and integrated bracelet, with a richly textured salmon opaline gradient dial. Salmon-colored dials are not for everyone, but this particular execution is rather flawless. Combined with luminous teardrop-shaped indices and Assegai (lance-shaped) hands made of 18K/750 white gold and treated with a 210Pd ruthenium coating — it looks incredible.
Of the integrated bracelet sports watches on the market, this bracelet is amongst the best. With three rows of links, with a vertical satin-brushed finish, the central links feature bevels in a subtle contrasting mirror-polished finish. Not to mention, the bracelet and case are titanium so what would normally be 160 grams plus in stainless steel, and even heavier in precious metal, is rather lightweight at just 118 grams.
Flip it over and you get the gorgeous high-horology manual wind movement which has gray satin ruthenium treatment on the bridges. Most importantly, everything from the bridge of the tourbillon cage to the movement bridges features some form of hand finishing, including complicated mirror polishing and anglage.
“The movement has a long-bladed pawl, which, beyond its aesthetic function from the bassinage polish being carried out entirely by hand, delivers a soft, melodious murmur when the watch is wound,” according to Laurent Ferrier.
With an 80-hour power reserve, luminous hands and indices, and 100 meters of water resistance, you get something that looks and works like a daily wearer, yet hidden under the dial is an intricately finished movement with a complex tourbillon and two head-to-tail mounted balance springs.
The Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit (Ref. LCF044.T1.RN1) is a regular model but production is limited to 15 timepieces per year. Retail is approximately $175K+.
Photos by Laurent Ferrier.
