Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit
The Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit is the latest contemporary creation from the high-end watch brand based on the outskirts of Geneva. Equipped with a discreet tourbillon, positioned to the rear of the watch, this latest model has a gorgeous pink dial and an ultra-light Grade 5 titanium case and bracelet.
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon
Since it was founded in 2009, Laurent Ferrier has always been associated with crafting watches of the highest order. Indeed, in 2010, shortly after its inception, the Genevan Maison tasted success, winning the ‘Men’s Watch’ prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). For many years, the company was associated with classically styled timepieces, however, this changed in 2019 with the release of the Grand Sport Tourbillon (12 pieces). This timepiece had a brown dial with a matching rubber strap and was housed in a contemporary stainless steel case.
Steel bracelet (2020)
The following year (2020), the Swiss firm released a further version of the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon, again limited to 12 pieces and housed in a stainless steel case. However, on this occasion, the model had a gradient blue opaline dial that assumed a black hue near its edge. Furthermore, the model featured a new steel integrated bracelet, tapping into the prevailing lust for high-end sports watches. Although it was contemporary in appearance, this model still featured the same peerless finishing and mechanical virtuosity that has defined this Maison from the outset.
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Auto
In the early part of 2022, the high-end brand released the Grand Sport Auto. This time, the model eschewed a tourbillon and a micro-rotor was added, conferring additional wearer convenience. Once more, the brand subscribed to neoteric styling. Refinement was still much in evidence. Only a philistine could fail to be seduced by the Genevan masterpiece. In fact, the demand for this particular model outstrips supply, necessitating much patience on the part of would-be buyers.
Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit
Now, the Genevan firm has just released the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit. This latest watch shares much in common with the 2020 model save for a few subtle differences. Firstly, the dial is presented in ‘gradient shades of pink with an opaline finish’ and is said to be inspired by ‘the rising sun’ as well as Mr Ferrier’s former life as a racing driver.
In addition, the new timepiece is housed in a Grade 5 titanium case. This lightweight alloy is less sensitive to magnetism, not liable to corrode and is also hypoallergenic. Furthermore, weighing just 118 grammes, the low mass of this watch should proffer even greater levels of wearer comfort. Another attribute of this particular grade of titanium is that it can be polished to a brilliant gleam. In this instance, Laurent Ferrier has tastefully combined polished edges with a vertical satin finish on the case middle.
However, Grade 5 titanium does present various technical challenges in terms of production. For instance, the material is very hard and strong, wearing CNC tools out more readily. In addition, milling speeds must be reduced to prevent the Grade 5 titanium from suffering heat damage or catching fire. These factors significantly heighten production costs. Moreover, due to the exclusivity of its watches and its exacting requirements, Laurent Ferrier will not benefit from the economies of scale enjoyed by some mass-market watch companies. To offer a model in Grade 5 titanium will have been a significant undertaking for the Genevan Maison.
LF619.01 calibre
In my opinion, Laurent Ferrier can do no wrong. Its watches are tastefully understated, elegant, refined, highly precise and, in this instance, notably light. I suspect the sun will continue to shine very brightly over the company’s atelier on Route de Saint Julien.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit
- Reference: LCF044.T1.RN1
- Case: Grade 5 titanium; diameter 44mm, height 13.40mm, water resistance 10ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds
- Movement: LF619.01 calibre, self-winding movement, frequency 21,600 vph (3Hz), 23 jewels, power reserve 80 hours.
- Strap: Grade 5 titanium integrated bracelet with folding clasp
- Price: 175,000 CHF (excluding tax)