Laurent Ferrier introduced Classic Auto, six months ago, with a warm sandstone dial. Today we are seeing the introduction of new versions. This time, the results will look much cooler, completely changing the nature of this premium Hollogary. I got the opportunity to practice the new Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon. Even Frateros don’t get the chance to play this level of watch every day. On top of this, you can think of Laurent Ferrier as perhaps my favorite modern watchmaker and wanting to try this creation.
I usually choose a watch with no date, but I am rethinking the principles because classic autos are so bold in implementing this humble complication. Let me explain why.
New Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon
Before you do that, you probably need to make the basics out of the way. Exactly what do we deal with here? Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon is a formal and casual blend between a dress watch and a leisure watch. That could have been horribly wrong in a way like “no fish or chickens.” Instead, when the dress code is more fluid and the watches should always be great, it feels perfectly in harmony with our time.
The round stainless steel case offers a versatile 40mm diameter and 11.9mm thickness. Similarly, its 47mm lug-to-lug length ensures a large fit on most wrists. The truly magical material – the dial and caliber – sits inside a sapphire sandwich in a case that can withstand 30m water.
Speaking of dials, its new light blue shade is achieved by applying a translucent blue lacquer to a silvery silver base with vertical brushing and several other finishing textures. In the right situation, this cool blue takes on the purple hint. The dial is airy and easy to use, which I love. It reminds me of a clear spring sky. Laurent Ferrier explains that it was naturally inspired. But here I can see it.
Within Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon
The dial isn’t the most appealing part of the Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon. The credit goes to the caliber LF270.01, which lives behind it. This microrotor caliber beating at a favorable frequency of 28,800 oscillations per hour, providing more than 72 hours of autonomy. Naturally, these basic specifications do not bring justice to the craftsmanship that falls into this movement.
Over 139 hand phishing operations are performed before creating a case. The Devil is in detail. For example, look at automatic bridges and micro rotors. The bridge is shaped like a bird’s beak. The 950 Platinum rotor is decorated with feathers, perfecting an abstracted bird image.
Of course, more traditional techniques such as the Côte de Genève, cranial nerves, and angularis are all well-reached. Still, the caliber looks nice – and am I going to say that? – Simple. The application of traditional finishes and modern finishes is done with such a classy restraint, so the results are almost conservatively elegant.
Beyond minimalism
When I read about Laurent Ferrier Watches, I often see the word “minimalism.” That term does not do justice to the clock in my book. Minimalism is the reduction of objects to their essence. It is often welcomed as a holy grail of modern design, but I usually find it completely uninteresting. Eliminating all non-essential visual complications is deprivation of identity.
Watches like this Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon go beyond minimalism. We have the Bauhaus and all the similar minimalist moves. However, Ferrier removes decoration and decadence without resorting to barren minimalism. Design languages have flirtiness and elegance.
In rhetoric there is the reduction and absurdity of the Latin word meaning “reducing absurdity.” Minimalist watches feel they suffer from the same concept. Thankfully, Laurent Ferrier’s design language depends on simplicity, but not on it. For me, it’s what a clean and simple watch design should look like – post-minimalism.
Wearing a Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon
Simply handling Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon is a joy. I often compared the look of a clock with this caliber to switching from Full HD to 4K. Classic Auto has the same effect. Everything is refined to a level of detail beyond the human eye, and in strange ways it looks sharper than reality.
When you sit on your wrist, your attention to detail becomes even more clear. This is not a small or thin watch, but it’s worn very well. It sits on the wrist with the quiet insistence of a confident yet modest old monk. This is a $52,000 watch for those who have no proof. You know who you are and what you did. Now is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Like Ferrier, experiences occur within you, not between you and the outside world, as always.
Is that date an Easter egg?
As mentioned before, I usually prefer clocks without dates. However, if the watchmaker includes a date, I would like it to be either imaginary prominent or completely discrete. Laurent Ferrier chose his previous approach. The date opening slops inwards as if they were cut into hardwoods with the sharpest chisels of the woodworker. Combined with a spearhead index pointing from the entire dial, it naturally turns to the date as it is connected through the horizontal line of the crosshairs. It feels like it’s sliding into the opening of the date.
What captivates me the most is the resulting Muller-Lea fantasy. Due to this strange arrangement, the right side of the dial appears narrower than the left. In fact, to my eyes, the entire clock appears to be distorted. The left side appears to be larger than the right. The slightly set crown emphasizes the effect.
I think this is one of the most attractive watch design skills I’ve come across. It quietly commentes on the controversial imbalances caused by complications of dates in such a playful and clever way. I am sure this is an Easter egg that is carefully and intentionally hidden by Mr. Ferrier. If not, it’s incredibly coincidence.
Close thoughts
The Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon is another showcase for the sparkle of home watchmaking. I may be looking at something that isn’t there, but I think this is an explanatory commentary on the discussion of eternal dates and dates. So, asking if you like the date, and more specifically, if this is a controversy.
This new blue version works perfectly. The colours are rich and dynamic, yet subtle enough to be versatile. Overall, I don’t mind keeping the press sample indefinitely on my wrist. I don’t care at all…
What do you think about the new Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon? Please let us know in the comments section below.
