Laurent Ferrier is one of my favorite modern watch makers, so when new LF models come out, it always distracts me. This time I had the opportunity to practice my latest work, the Laurent Ferrier Sports Auto 79.
The new Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79 is made from 5N Rose Gold and offers a luxurious successor to its titanium predecessor. Let’s take a closer look!
It’s rooted in Le Mans 24 hours
The new Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79 is essentially a rose gold version of the existing Sport Auto 40 in titanium. It is permissible to assume that “40” refers to the diameter of the case, but that is not the case. In fact, the model was inspired by the fact that Laurent Ferrier and François Servanin (founder and president of the Laurent Ferrier brand) wore a 40-number Porsche 935 turbo driven in a 24-hour edition of the 1979 Le Mans.
Laurent Ferrier made a living in the automotive industry during his watchmaking stint from 1968 to 1974. After returning to watchmaking, he decided to take part in the 1979 edition of Le Mans. Ferrier and Servanin, along with François Trisconi, unexpectedly came in third and second in Group V.
Therefore, the Sport Auto 40 is named after the starting number of Ferrier Porsches, while the 79 is named after the year of the event in 1979. In general, sports auto models are watches that are subtly motorsport-inspired.
Specifications for the new Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79
Therefore, the Laurent Ferrier Sports Auto 79 has a diameter of 41.5mm. Just like the Sports Auto 40, it pairs with a thickness of 12.7mm, making it a practically modern sports watch. Unlike the Sport Auto 40, the proportions are not offset by lightweight titanium. Rather, the Sport Auto 79 emphasizes a serene attitude with its heavy rose gold build. This case holds a water resistance assessment of 120m and a crown of under-screw onion. As expected, the sapphire crystals can be found on the top and on the caseback.
Internal tick caliber LF270.01. This micro-rotor automatic movement does not feature the distinctive natural escape of Ferrier, but instead features a Swiss lever escape. It runs at 28,800 beats per hour, offering a fulfilling 72 hours of autonomy. Laurent Ferrier designs, assembles and finishes the calibers in-house.
Speaking of finishing the movement, the LF270.01 clearly offers a modern aesthetic. The plate looks dark due to its ruthenium finish. The stripes of the traditional Cote de Geneve give way to the surface of the satin brush. Still, there are plenty of traditional finishes, including the beautiful angular plaque and the beating beneath it. Balance Bridge is particularly beautiful, and takes up to 3 hours to finish with Genis tree and diamond paste.
New dials for Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79
The highlight for me is the new dial inside the Sport Auto 79. Its creamy surface displays silver galvanic treatment and oparin finish. The result looks like a powdery matte with a beautiful texture. This dial exudes warmth, and the matte dial clearly looks high-end and dynamic.
Laurent Ferrier runs crosshairs and fine tracks in powder grey. I think this is a particularly good choice as it offers a much softer contrast than the more typical black. The concentric subdials and ferrier-shaped tilt date windows sit well within the overall dial layout.
The house was able to find a clear and distinctive design language, even if it hadn’t existed for a long time. Hands of similar shapes are now instantly recognized as pointy droplet time markers of various lengths. For the Sport Auto 79, Ferrier runs them in the same 5N rose gold alloy as the case and bracelet.
Wearing a Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79
Sport Auto traces its roots in motor racing and is said to be inspired by the design of the car, but I don’t necessarily feel like I’m wearing that watch. For example, exterior design is not as sophisticated as I would associate it with sports cars. It feels a little plump to me. It may sound like a criticism, but it’s actually one of the (many) things I like about it.
The overall execution of the dial and the Sport Auto 79 is very elegant and subtle. The case and bracelet are much bolder and muscular in terms of shape and proportion. In my humble opinion, this combination often leads to the most beautiful sports watches. I’m happy to be able to report that this is here too. It doesn’t look aerodynamic, but it’s even more appealing. Even if it’s completely gold, it doesn’t look flashy, but it looks strong and tough on your wrists.
I’ve worn it before the Titanium Sport Auto 40, so I can prove that this rose gold version looks bigger. Gold’s weight and colour plays the tricks of the mind and conspires to make the watch look bigger. Still, the fit is very ergonomic, making this a very wearable gold sports watch.
Close thoughts
Spending time with the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79 was totally impressed. I like how Le Mans’ inspiration doesn’t feel like a themed watch because it’s subtle. Only avid observers should note that the rotors are engraved with details of Le Mans from 24 hours of 1979. This is done so subtle that you can’t even see without a magnifying glass.
I love Laurent Ferrier’s design language and translated very well here. I get a very slight sense of personality with the Sport Auto 79. Honestly, that’s probably because you’re used to seeing this model in titanium. The jump from sporty, modern titanium to classic rose gold is important and fundamentally changes the nature of the watch. So, will I change anything? Now, the gap between the bracelet links may be smaller. Of course, this is a design choice rather than an acceptable one, but I prefer to make it look tight.
However, all of these are put together in beautiful and elegant packaging. I usually don’t like perfect sports watches. Most are a bit too flashy for my taste. However, Laurent Ferrier can avoid that atmosphere and at the same time lead to a classy gold watch that is delicious, decadent and elegant. And that’s a rare combination, my dear Fratelli. The New Sport Auto 79 has a price tag of CHF 79,000. This certainly coincides with a gorgeous golden ambition.
What do you think about the new Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79? Let us know in the comments below!
This is a partnership post. Read about transparency here.
