Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Autumn: A few weeks back Laurent Ferrier were generous enough to loan me this, never seen before, stainless steel Galet Square. This timepiece is a welcomed little departure from their otherwise precious metal cases. I’m a fan of dress watches made of stainless steel and this my dear readers is a timepiece I could seriously see not only myself buying but many collectors alike. As mentioned before here, Galet Square was introduced this year at Basel and while some thought its appearance was similar to a timepiece from another watch manufacturer, I can assure you cushion-shaped timepieces have been around for over a decade, even pre-dating said watch manufacturer.
We’ve looked at the Galet Square made exclusively for William & Son, which featured a blue dial with a cream seconds subsidiary dial but as mentioned previously these timepieces were cased in white-gold and yellow-gold. This autumn inspired Galet Square, really does embrace the autumnal spirit and gazing into the dial only makes me think of Miles Davis’ Autumn Leaves.
For this new version, Laurent Ferrier treats its Galet Square with an autumn sun 5N red gold- toned colour, with copper glints thanks to the vertical satin-brushed finish that is a favourite with Laurent Ferrier. This dial also features the 11 typical drop-shaped white gold hour-markers. As a standard feature, all dials feature the Laurent Ferrier signature Assegai-shaped hands for indicating the hours and minutes. This distinctive look, arguably, combines a vintage style, with a contemporary appearance within a well-kept design that is only further complimented by a chestnut coloured alligator strap.
The case of the Galet square measures 41mm x 41mm, that in the world of watchmaking today is considered on the small side but it is intended to assert a bolder presence on the wearer’s wrist than the Galet, which it was inspired by. On the wrist, it just feels brilliant. Its feels like less of a wrist instrument and more of an extension of one’s self. It does indeed have a bolder presence on the wrist than the Galet but at no point did the watch feel cumbersome. It was in fact quite the opposite and I almost forgot I was even wearing it. Probably something I don’t mention much but it must be said that the onion crown on Laurent Ferrier’s timepieces are just about as cool as they come in watchmaking.
The sapphire crystal case-back provides a glimpse of the fine workmanship bestowed upon the calibre FBN 229.01 and reveals an intricately balanced structure, stemming from a clever combination of lines and curves, which incorporates, probably, the most beautiful automatic micro-rotor in the business. Alongside the Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges and the circular graining on the mainplate, the wheel spokes are bevelled, the screw hands are chamfered and polished and the interior angles are handcrafted.
I’ve mentioned before that the Laurent Ferrier Galet Square is probably a timepiece that not many would’ve expected from this independent watchmaking brand this year but it is just so different to what is already available. With this autumn style Galet Square being made in stainless steel it of course makes it more accessible but by no means does it cheapen it in any way. The level of finishing is just as beautiful as ever and I can honestly say that during the 5 days plus that this timepiece was on my wrist I did not meet anyone who wasn’t drawn by this timepiece’s charm.
The copper colour dial really does make it stand out amongst the others and really plays on the colours of autumn fallen leaves. Laurent Ferrier timepieces just have that extra bit of gloss that well made timepieces have, this is not something that can easily be achieved. The Galet Square is different but at no point does it undermine its sheer elegance – I would expect nothing less from a man who tirelessly strived for excellence, even during his tenure at a brand that is synonymous for creating iconic, timeless wristwatches of perfection.
This autumn-style Laurent Ferrier Galet Square is only available in stainless steel. Priced at £29,400, I think this Galet Square is a great entry point into the independent high-end watchmaking world. For more information on this new autumn-style Galet Square, visit the official Laurent Ferrier website.
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