Laurent Ferrier Galet Square William & Son Limited Edition: This year Laurent Ferrier introduced the Galet Square at Baselworld 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 Traveller before and I’ve waxed lyrical on how LF’s watch designs are just about as pure as it gets: simple elegance that is functional, legible and harmonious. This doesn’t even take into account the movement and the level of detail and finishing. Laurent Ferrier’s timepieces are distinctive and employ a pebble-shaped case, which have become one of their standout features, so to venture towards a square case some would think this may dilute the brands identity but it’s quite the opposite as no detail has been overlooked.
In essence you could say that the original Galet has become a square affair, leaning more towards a cushion shape. The case has been carefully sculpted to make sure the use of the original Galet movement was still possible but of course in a completely different case. But you’ll immediately notice that even though the case has changed, Laurent Ferrier’s signature aesthetics have been preserved and the all-important onion crown ties in these flowing lines that have been redesigned.
The case of the Galet square measures 41mm x 41mm, which may not sound that large but it is intended to assert a bolder presence on the wearers wrist than the Galet, which it was inspired by. The Galet Square collection is the first to welcome a timepiece sculpted out of stainless steel. Ordinarily Laurent Ferrier’s timepieces are made of more prestigious metals but as I’ve mentioned in the past – steel can be just as important in the world of Haute Horlogerie.
The dial on the Galet Square, sports a rather simple layout. For the original models, there are only two different types of dial layouts. The first minimalist version (shown above) features a sunburst gold-toned dial bearing three white gold hour-markers at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock, as well as small seconds at 6 0’clock. While the second features a blue dial with a vertical satin-brushed finish that is a favourite with Laurent Ferrier and creates a velvety sheen that is particularly pleasing to the eye. This variation features 11 white gold hour-markers. There is also an anniversary model with a chocolate dial, like the one seen on the Galet Traveller here.
However, as you can see I managed to get my hands on a limited edition example from William & Son that sports a blue dial with a vertical satin-brushed finish and a small inscription of the company name above the small seconds at 6 o’clock. As for the small seconds’, this has been finished in the same vein as the original Galet Square but has a warm, inviting, cream tone, creating a lovely little contrast to the dial. As a standard feature, all dials feature the Laurent Ferrier signature Assegai-shaped hands for indicating the hours and minutes.
The sapphire crystal case-back provides a glimpse of this fine workmanship 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, polished and the interior angles are handcrafted.
The Laurent Ferrier Galet Square was probably a timepiece that not many would’ve expected from this independent watchmaking brand but it is just so different to what is already available and this can only be a good thing. On the wrist, it does as intended and has more wrist presence over the original Galet, however, I’m also sure it will garner more attention too. The use of stainless steel is brilliant, which of course makes it a little bit more accessible. For me, it is always good to see something a little unexpected but bold from watch brands such as Laurent Ferrier and the Galet Square does this elegantly.
This exclusive William & Son Limited Edition Laurent Ferrier Galet Square is only available in 18-carat rose and white gold. Each piece is limited to 5 and is priced at £37,800. For more information on this exclusive Galet Square, visit the William & Son website. For more information on the standard Galet Square, visit the official Laurent Ferrier website.
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