Laurent Ferrier Magnetic Green
The Laurent Ferrier Magnetic Green story continues with the release of the fourth ‘Série Atelier’ reference, the Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green. Limited to just 20 pieces, the model is destined to sell out very quickly.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Traveller ‘Série Atelier’ Magnetic Green
Earlier this year, Laurent Ferrier, the high-end Genevan Maison, released the Classic Traveller ‘Série Atelier’ Magnetic Green. The timepiece was the third reference to be sold exclusively on the company’s e-commerce platform. It was based on the brand’s existing Classic Traveller model, housed in a Grade 5 titanium case and appointed with a peppermint green dial. Its blend of functionality, craftsmanship and style inevitably appealed to discerning horophiles and true to form, the model, in common with the previous ‘Série Atelier’ references, quickly sold out.
The fourth ‘Série Atelier’ reference, the Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green
Recently, the Swiss marque released its fourth ‘Série Atelier’ reference, the Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green, based on its extensive collection of Classic Micro-Rotor models. Once again, the brand has chosen to house this limited edition timepiece in Grade 5 titanium, a lightweight alloy composed of 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This metal is corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant, strong and hypoallergenic, all endearing qualities for a high-end watch.
While the Laurent Ferrier Magnetic Green resembles other Classic Micro-Rotor models there are some features which set it apart from its siblings. For instance, when compared with other examples of the Classic Micro-Rotor, the diameter of the small seconds display is significantly greater and features a more prominent track.
The main dial epidermis is adorned with a sunburst motif and is framed with a ring of circular satin finish. The Maison’s gorgeous 18-carat white gold Assegai-shaped hour and minutes hands join forces with matching drop-shaped indexes, imparting meaning clearly and with a notable degree of style.
The FBN 229.01 calibre – tradition and modernity in union
To the rear of the watch, a sapphire case back grants sight of the FBN 229.01 calibre. In many respects, it’s all reassuringly Laurent Ferrier. However, on this occasion, the Genevan marque has shunned the ubiquitous Swiss lever escapement in favour of Breguet’s traditional natural escapement. Furthermore, the brand has also embraced modernity by fitting a pallet lever made of silicium, a lightweight and friction-free material.
As its name suggests, this model is fitted with a micro-rotor. While there are other companies producing movements equipped with a micro-rotor, they are few in number. The technical challenge is in harvesting sufficient inertia from a small oscillating weight. Indeed, it is far easier for a company to use a full size rotor. However, the benefits of a micro-rotor are that it helps mitigate movement thickness (the FBN 229.01 is just 4.35mm in height) and it affords unhindered views of the movement and its finishing.
Speaking of finishing, the inventory of refinements specified by the brand include, a ‘circular-grained plate, hand-bevelled bridges decorated with a rhodium-plated horizontal satin-brushed finish, mirror-polished and openworked pallet bridge to reveal exceptional hand-made inward angles, rotor bridge also mirror-polished and hand-bevelled, bevelled and guilloché rotor’. Quite simply, Laurent Ferrier dwells in the upper echelons of Haute Horlogerie.
Magnetic Green – beyond a simple animation
In the watch industry, the term ‘animation’ is often used to describe essentially the same watch perhaps with a different colour dial or case treatment. The term can sometimes diminish a brand’s achievements unfairly.
In this instance, Laurent Ferrier has returned to the fresh-faced charms of Magnetic Green, but endowed the dial with a larger small seconds display. Indeed, of the seven versions of the Classic Micro-Rotor on offer, only two references employ this particular subdial design, the ‘Ice Blue’ and the ‘Magnetic Green’. Unlike other examples of the FBN 229.01 calibre found in alternative versions of the Classic Micro-Rotor, in this instance, the brand has chosen to eschew Côtes de Gèneve motif in favour of a horizontal grain.
The differences are subtle, but then it’s this approach that will inevitably resonate with brand devotees. The Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green is limited to just 20 pieces and, based on past experience, they will undoubtedly sell out quickly.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green
- Reference: LCF004.T1.V8G
- Case: Grade 5 titanium; diameter 40mm, height 10.7mm (inc crystal), water resistance 3ATM (30 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds
- Movement: FBN 229.01 calibre, self-winding movement, frequency 21,600 vph (3Hz), 35 jewels, power reserve 72 hours.
- Strap: Forest-green Nubuck leather, hand sewn with Alcantara lining paired with a pin buckle in Grade 5 titanium
- Price: 49,500 CHF (excluding tax)
- Limited Edition: 20 pieces