As a tribute to his motor racing history, the Geneva based independent watchmaker Laurent Ferrier now unveils the Auto Sport Watch.
The idea behind the beautifully finished grade 5 titanium high-end luxury timepiece dates back to 1979 when the founders of the Swiss watch brand, Laurent Ferrier and François Servanin, competed together with François Trisconi in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The three amateur pilots finished in third place, just behind Paul Newman. As a thank you for his performance, Laurent Ferrier offered a Patek Philippe Nautilus to his friend François. He then challenged Laurent to create their own watch together, which resulted in the founding of his brand in 2009.
43 years later, and this idea has manifested in the Sport Auto, a timepiece that lives up to its name. The cushion-shaped case, water-resistant to 100 meters, and the integrated bracelet have an almost streamlined look and feel.
A domed sapphire crystal protects the blue opaline gradient dial with a crosshair design, small seconds, and the date aperture at 3 o’clock. To ensure legibility in the dark, the hour and minute hands as well as the indices, all made from white gold, are coated with green lume.
While it is hard to take off the eyes from the dial, the view of new inhouse caliber LF270.01 sporting a micro-rotor is a feast for the eyes, too. The automatic movement that amasses a power reserve of 72 hours or three days displays top-notch decorations and finishing techniques, such as perlage and anglage. The mini rotor and the balance wheel take center stage within the three-quarter plate with a horizontal satin-brushed ruthenium finish.
The new Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto is to be produced as a non-limited, production reference. Pricing is currently marked at $50,000.
To learn more, visit Laurent Ferrier, here.