I suppose if anyone were to make a regulator wristwatch, Laurent Ferrier would be an appropriate manufacture to do so. Known for their precision both mechanically and aesthetically, I for one feel the latest release by LF is befitting.
First off, for those who don’t know, traditional time only watches base their hands around a single central axis, or in some cases with subsidiary seconds. However, a regulator watch is one that separates the hour, minute and seconds into entirely independent axes. The idea behind this, is so that legibility can be increased and more accurate readings of the time can be made.
A few weeks ago, Laurent Ferrier unveiled their first ever regulator, the Galet Regulateur. Building upon their new Montre Ecole case they unveiled at SIHH this year, it now comes with a reworked dial, displaying this new novelty.
Through the silver toned vertical satin-brushed dial, it certainly has a scientific and clinical look, very appropriate as regulators are supposed to be precision tools, used to make exact measurements. Looking closer at the new dial, once again it is all about the details, with recessed sub dials at 12 and 6 o’clock displaying the hour and seconds display respectively adding a warmer silver tone to the dial. This slight shift in contrast makes a subtle but noticeable difference in regard to legibility and hierarchy within the layout. Furthermore, they are contrasted with a nickel snailed finish further separating itself from the main vertically brushed dial.
The roman numerals at the 12 o’clock hour sub dial is long and elongated, something that has become quite a trait at Laurent Ferrier, blending well with the mixture of hands. While the central minutes hand is shaped in LF traditional assegai style we’ve become accustomed to, the hour hand makes use of leaf-shaped hand while the seconds uses a baton-shaped one, once again creating an appropriate hierarchy. Two colours of ink are used on the dial, black and blue – a simple aesthetic that works in harmony without being overly distracting.
Powered by the FBN calibre 228.01, this is an automatic movement with the now famous Laurent Ferrier micro-rotor. Of course, it goes without saying that the fishing is one of the best in the game right now. Coming in stainless steel or white gold, I do feel the more appropriate choice would have to be the stainless steel considering its roots as a precision tool. Gold perhaps feels a tad unnecessary.
The Laurent Ferrier is certainly a love or hate watch, just like how the Patek Philippe 5235 Regulator was polarising. For some, a regulator might seem to sterile and unemotional, but I love it because that is exactly what it is meant to be.
The Laurent Ferrier Galet Régulateur is available in steel, red-gold and platinum on request. The steel version is priced at $40,000 and $55,000 in white-gold. For more information on the new Galet Régulateur, visit the official Laurent Ferrier website.
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