Only Watch 2015: LAURENT FERRIER RENEWS ITS COMMITMENT TO ONLY WATCH 2015

Only Watch 2015: LAURENT FERRIER RENEWS ITS COMMITMENT TO ONLY WATCH 2015

Only Watch, the major charity event for aficionados and collectors of fine watches, will take place on November 7th 2015. Under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, Honorary President of the Cercle de l’Horlogerie de Monaco, this exhibition and auction will present creations from some 40 of the most prestigious watch companies, including a model developed for this special occasion by Laurent Ferrier.

For the third consecutive time, Laurent Ferrier has decided to support research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Only Watch 2015, orchestrated by Philipps Bacs & Russo, brings together the greatest watch names that generously donate a dedicated timepiece. A travelling exhibition will present in this collection in Monaco, Hong Kong, Beijing, New York and London. To conclude the event, the traditional auction will take place for the first time in Geneva, on November 7th. The sum raised during this evening is entirely destined for medical research. Once again, Laurent Ferrier has risen to this challenge by creating a watch issued in a one-off edition that should delight connoisseurs.

Only Watch 2015: an original edition of the Galet Square

In keeping with the spirit of Only Watch, Laurent Ferrier is once again demonstrating its commitment to research. For this 2015 edition, it has chosen to offer an unprecedented version of its latest model, the Galet Square. Powered by the micro-rotor movement with “échappement naturel”, this steel Galet Square propose a two-tone silvered sector dial typical of the late 1930s and unique lugs specially created for the occasion.

A distinctive dial

Laurent Ferrier offers a new composition of space on this exceptional dial, while respecting the aesthetic codes of its collection. The harmonious division between an outer circle with a circular satin-brushed finish and a central zone with a vertical satin-brushed finish lends the dial a unique variety of shades and textures. This association already introduced by Laurent Ferrier is given a new interpretation here. The space is marked out by a slender and delicately accentuated transferred circle featuring curved markers paying a distinctive nod to the brand’s iconic drop-shaped hour-markers. 

The small seconds echoes the central theme, thereby endowing this model with a perfect equilibrium entirely respectful of the pure lines and the principles of readability cherished by Laurent Ferrier. The singularity of the dial is reinforced by the “Only Watch 2015” inscription appearing in the spot traditionally reserved for the word “Swiss”, while the “assegai-shaped” gold hours and minutes along with the baton-type seconds hand set the perfect finishing touches.

A unique case

The Galet Square case, presented at Baselworld 2015, picks up the essential characteristics of the original Galet. It originated as a square and is now tending towards a cushion-type shape. The curve of the steel case reflects the restrained aesthetic codes adopted by Laurent Ferrier. With its perfectly balanced 41 x 41 mm proportions, the Galet Square is designed to assert a stronger presence on the wrist than its inspirational predecessors. 

To highlight the unique nature of this model created specifically for Only Watch, Laurent Ferrier is revisiting its lugs for the first time and introducing a a straight version of them enriched with gold half spheres.

The timepiece is fitted with a ball-shaped winding-crown ensuring smooth and pleasant handling. The snap-on case-back means the movement is easily accessible by a watchmaker via the olivette. Its water resistance is guaranteed to a depth of 30 metres.

Once again, Laurent Ferrier testifies to its determination and its ability to create models imbued with a pure aesthetic while also giving a preference to “bespoke” interpretations for unique occasions.

A tried and trusted movement

This watch is driven by the same self-winding FBN Calibre 229.01 equipped with a unidirectional pawl-fitted micro-rotor and guaranteeing a three-day power reserve. This is the third exclusive in-house movement developed, assembled and adjusted in the Laurent Ferrier workshops. It comprises a silicon escapement with double direct impulse on the balance. This innovation developed by Laurent Ferrier gives two impulses to the balance per oscillation, a system requiring two escape-wheels and a specially designed lever. This modern construction, combined with the use of cutting-edge materials, maximises the resulting energy. The excellent efficiency of this escapement guarantees a high amplitude of the balance. Less mechanical force is required to wind the barrel spring, thereby optimising movement.

Through this creation, Laurent Ferrier offers its contemporary take on a legendary theme from the late 1930s.