Jason Lee
Laurent Ferrier has built a reputation based on the simple idea before Spectacle, Chronometry. The rounded “pebble” case of the house, the ball-shaped crown and the Asegui hands speak softly, but the mechanic speaks. That philosophy is literally in Ferrier’s Tour Billon, usually turning on casebacks rather than dials. This is an approach the brand has established from the beginning, with its first model, Classic Tourbillon Double Spiral, winning the GPHG Men’s Watch Award in 2010. Fifteen years later, the brand’s latest release reflects on the story of its origins, introducing the material’s inception and a sharp, contemporary finishing language.
case
This watch is the classic Tourbillon Teal Série Atelier VII, which was launched to document 15 years of independent creation. It reproduces a pebble case inspired by a 19th century pocket watch, and, importantly, renders it in 950 platinum. This metal was the first time it appeared in the Laurent Ferrier collection. Water resistance up to 30 meters is 41mm in diameter, 12.50mm thick, and 50mm lug toe. It maintains the familiar generous ball-shaped crown.
Dial
The dial is where this edition finds its voice. The surface, set on a white gold base plate, is teal granfeuille enamel, a blend of green and blue, and fine tracks from the brand name and railway are transferred to the sky blue enamel, bringing out the cool edges of the spectrum. Roman numbers are finely outlined in bright white enamel to prioritize readability. At 6 o’clock, a small second applied is surrounded by a bevelled and mirrored white gold flange, whose markers are again performed in Sky Blue enamel. Time is indicated by the hands of white hands – hours and minutes are assayed and seconds are batons.
Movement
Behind that quiet dial, the mechanic stays true to the brand’s original briefs while updating the presentation. The watch uses the handwound caliber LF619.01, which beats at 3 Hz and offers an 80-hour power reserve. This movement places a small few seconds, especially on the Tourbillon Cage Pivot, making the Tourbillon visible only through the Sapphire Caseback. The regulatory organ combines a double-balance spring, opposite the tour billon. I have two ideas. Tour Billon averages gravity-induced position errors, while Twin Springs helps neutralize the lateral displacement of the balance staff.
What’s new is how the movement ends. Instead of the more familiar Côte de Geneve, the bridge is treated with a level satin finish with ruthenium. Moving components such as engraving, gear and balance wheel are rhodium-plated. When you flip the watch over, the case back view is all about crafts. The TourbillonCageBridge has approximately 30 internal angles. Brushing and frosting are all present, as you would expect from brands still completing their components within their own workshops.
One of the more attractive touches is the touch, not the sight. The manual winding system uses a long blade click ratchet, a detail borrowed from 19th century chronometry. The silhouette is just as highly acclaimed as the subtle, mechanical “clicks” that produce when it winds. This reminds us that this is not just worn out, but a hand-wound instrument intended to be treated and set. In an age of convenience and widespread automation, such cues quietly reinforce the brand’s focus on traditional practices in accurate timekeeping services.
strap
The watch is delivered with a forest green crocodile leather strap and hand-sticked with a tone Alcantara lining. Buyers can choose between a 950 Platinum Pin Buckle or a Double Blade Folding Clasp to match the case metal.
verdict
As part of the brand’s continued Série Atelier release, this edition is intentionally a rare and direct collector. Five individually numbered pieces are sold only online on the brand’s website. In other words, the classic Tourbillon Teal is positioned as an intensive tribute, rather than as an extensive catalogue addition. This is an award-winning watch that ties today’s LF to its first award-winning watch, fine-tuned the aesthetics of the movement with ruthenium and rhodium.
The net effect is the familiar Laurent Ferrier: the frontline minimalism, the back method. If some anniversary pieces are tilted towards visual fireworks, this uses material and finishing options to highlight long-term priorities. Platinum is making its first appearance. The enamel is back in new shades and has a careful, balanced readability. This movement maintains a double fountain toolbillon and updates the dress code. The classic Tourbillon Teal Série Atelier VII is a precise summary of what Laurent Ferrier has been doing since day one.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Tourbillon Teal Série Atelier VII Price and Availability
The Laurent Ferrier Classic Tourbillon Teal Série Atelier VII is a limited edition of five pieces that will begin shipping this September and can be purchased directly from the Laurent Ferrier website. Price: CHF 195,000 (excluding VAT)
Brand Laurent Ferrier Model Classic Tour Bellontil Cerrier VII Reference Number LCF001.p1.evc1 Case Dimensions 41mm(d) x 12.5mm(T) x 50mm(LTL) Case Material 950 Platinum Water Resistant Resistance LF619.01, In-house, Manual Winding Power Reserve 80 Hours Function Time, Minutes, Small Seconds, Tourbillon Availability Limited Edition 5 Pieces, Online Limited Price CHF 195,000 (Excluded) (Excluded) (Excluded)
