Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Micro Rotor Sunburst Sector Dial

A former Patek Philippe watch maker, Laurent Ferrier set up shop making his own watches a few years ago under his own name. His first watch was the rather impressive (and award winning) Galet Classic Double Balance Spring Tourbillon. It won him a prize at the GPHG 2010. Following the Tourbillon, he began to develop and eventually produce an automatic, and a while ago I took some hands on images of it. While Laurent Ferrier watches aren’t for everyone, they are among the finest “classic” timepieces available with marvelously meticulous designs that don’t compromise and very attractive in-house made movements. If you want a conservative watch from an independent watch maker, something from Laurent Ferrier just might be for you.
Mr. Ferrier is bespectacled older fellow who speaks not a word of English. You can tell that he has a lot to say about his timepieces if he can communicate that to you in French. In fact, it matters little whether or not you know French because he will tell you anyways. “Galet” means pebble actually, and it is a term applied to a range of watches that have been produced over the years. The idea being that the case is smooth and polished like a stone. It is true, and in a quasi-Rolex design, the Galet Classic case at 40mm wide and 10.7mm thick feels perfectly polished both visually and by touch.

This automatic version is called the Galet Classic Micro-Rotor. The Micro-Rotor’s dial is a bit more 1950s-1960s, but you do get Ferrier’s signature long and thin hour markers and hands, as well as subsidiary seconds dial. The movement is called the FBN caliber 229.01. Aside from the solid gold micro-rotor, its most notable feature is the use of a double balance spring.

These two balance springs alternate in their beat, and you need to look closely to see them. These are known as double direct impulse balance springs and they use a silicon lever in this movement. The idea is that they are meant to cancel out each other’s errors to produce a more consistent timing in the movement. The rate of the movement is 21,600 vph, and it has a power reserve of three days. Decoratively, the Micro-Rotor’s movement is gorgeous. Lots of fantastic polished, beveled edges, and an attention to detail you find only in top-grade movements.

There is also a beautiful depth to the movement. Rather than try to be ultra-thin, the 229.01 is 4.35mm thick (actually not that thick), but it makes room for you to look inside of the movement and admire all of the parts. While not the world’s most complex movement, it is hand finished, limited in production, and very beautiful. Together it feels quite satisfying indeed. Oh, and the movements are COSC certified chronometers.