Laurent Ferrier is perhaps one of the very few independent watch brands that I not only appreciate but also fully respect for their commitment to creating beautifully sculpted timepieces. Their timepieces, from the outside have an air of simplicity about them but remain subtly detailed, keeping the wearer ever intrigued with its beauty. This feat only ever reminds me of a quote I’ve used before when referring to LF timepieces: “Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add but when there is nothing left to take away”. Laurent Ferrier are masters at doing this.
The Galet Classic DST (which I shall call it for short) is a watch that speaks volumes without shouting, it is gracefully elegant, timeless and perhaps asserts confidence that is sometimes forgotten when strapping a watch to the wrist. This Galet Classics technical prowess is present but subtle, its say a lot about modern high-end watchmaking, which only bodes well for the future.
The Galet Classic DST is a special watch indeed and while it is available with various other dials, this particular hand guilloched dial makes it arguably even more covetable. As you may or may not know, I have a bit of a thing for dial symmetry and design, and when the balance isn’t quite right it can be a bit of a turn off for me. But this dial draws you in, it is a work of art and each hour index simply blends into the guilloche pattern and enhances its features. The almost plaque like LF Genève signature on the dial, doesn’t interrupt this pattern much but of course it is supposed to be noticeable. But perhaps one of the many things I truly admire about this dial, is the omission of “Tourbillon Double Spiral.” The clean subsidiary running seconds, offers a brief and subtle hint that you are indeed looking at a guilloche dial and of course, no Laurent Ferrier dial would be complete without the all-important Assegai spear-hands.
However, the attribute I admire most about this particular dial, is that it keeps its secret, hidden from view. Showing off a tourbillon is common practice nowadays but originally this was something mostly hidden and this isn’t the only piece Lauren Ferrier make where the tourbillon isn’t framed in a beautiful cage in a dial side aperture. Nonetheless, it is something that can be truly admired when it is turned over. The movement inside of the Galet Classic DST has been lauded for various reasons; the level of engineering, finishing and assembly to name a few, which I might add is completed by a single watchmaker from beginning-to-end.
The Calibre LF619.01 makes use of a double balance spring attached to the tourbillon, this mechanism offsets the lateral displacement of the balance axis, which can be prone to unwanted movement that would undoubtedly affect timekeeping. The movement also includes an escapement developed by Laurent Ferrier that is built atop the double balance spring mechanism. The efficiency of the system is optimised thanks to the geometry of the lever and the escape-wheel. This design, together with the use of steel, considerably enhances the performance of the escapement since it provides constant support and serves to achieve optimal results in each position.
The 41 mm case is trademark Laurent Ferrier, pebble-shaped, in white-gold that is not only organic in form but achieves a fluid form that simply fits the wrist as if it were personally made. The signature onion-shaped winding crown provides a nice little contrast to the free-flowing, bevel free case – which I may add offers a gratifying tactical feedback when wound.
The Galet Classic Double Spiral Tourbillon, is an absolutely stunning timepiece and this dial combination only further enhances its majesty. While the case is not classically sized, it does at no point feel too large, however, this is coming from a man who has 7+ inch wrists. But do consider my daily wearers tend to be between 36 – 40 mm, so the fact this didn’t feel large at all says a great deal. Of course the main focus is the dial which illusion will captivate you which will keep you intrigued and peering through the sapphire-crystal case back is no different. Dare I say it… this Laurent Ferrier is the complete package, from the dial to the case, to the absolutely beautiful high-end finished movement, it is almost flawless.
GALLERY
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