Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro Rotor "Ecole" - LF folding buckle - Full set

Origin

After spending nearly four decades at Patek Philippe overseeing the development and launch of references such as the Nautilus and the Aquanaut, Laurent Ferrier was anything but new to the game in 2009. At 63, alongside his son Christian and friend François Servanin, Ferrier went solo and realised his eponymous brand. The objective was simple: Build a brand that embodies values of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation – core values held from the day Ferrier graduated watchmaking school in 1968 to his final days at Patek in the 2000s.

Today's range is based on three core cases: the Classic, the Square, and the Sport. Variations in these collections occur, such as the Grand Sport models and perhaps the most notable of deviations, the École. Directly translating to 'School 'in French, École pieces build upon the tenets of the brand to define an exterior evocative of pocket watches. There's a more rounded case and bezel style, along with pastille lugs that most notably recall when pocket watches began to be converted to wristwatches. It's an era of watchmaking seldom used for inspiration past specific dial executions, yet for Laurent Ferrier, it's a special period. First debuting in 2017, the Montre École is a riff on the Galet Micro-Rotor, and the collection debuted in three different versions: stainless steel, white gold and red gold. As its name suggests, the collection was further inspired by Ferrier's time at watchmaking school and the School Piece he created to graduate.

The Watch

Fifty years after graduating from watchmaking school with his Montre École pocket watch, in 2017, Laurent Ferrier experienced a full circle moment with the launch of a new reference carrying the same name, Montre École. This specific example is rendered in stainless steel and dates from 2019 and, despite a myriad of quintessential cues synonymous with his pieces, this Montre École marks itself as one of the most striking pieces by the esteemed watchmaker.

With the École, the case comes first. This basinné 40mm case prides itself on smooth, seamless surfaces and beautifully soft lines. The sans sharp angles connect closely to the early stages of wristwatches, with a profile perspective highlighting the case body's pocket watch origins. The pastille lugs speak to the conversions of watches from the pocket to the wrist during the early 20th century, with a period-correct form and flair. These lugs attach directly to the three-piece case constructed from two satin bands, one matte and one polished. When compared to Ferrier's School Piece, the low profile, elegantly rounded bezel bears an uncanny resemblance. This appetite for smooth lines is a firm favourite of Ferrier, and with a shared DNA with the Galet, it's no wonder the flowing pebble-like execution of the case is indisputable.

In keeping with the theme of this piece, the dial of this Montre École is typical of Ferrier: classically configured while maintaining a proprietary execution. From a top-level perspective, it's a two-tone silver dial contrasted by a circular brushed track with sparsely applied markers and a set of white gold hands. A clean and straightforward affair, but look a little closer, and you'll be rewarded. More than just a silver hue, the dial's centre is also finished with a delicate vertical satin brush to play with the light gently. Those applied markers are rendered in white gold and formed into a dart-style shape; elements that can be directly traced back to Ferrier's Montre École pocket watch. The hands are a brand signature – known as assegai-shaped – and are polished to a domed form. Moreover, in the classic Ferrier fashion of modern meets old, the subsidiary register at six is remarkably reserved, even minimalist, with the brushed ring, concentric circled centre, seconds hand, and only four markers completing its form.

As a watchmaker with an established penchant for traditional watchmaking throughout the collection, this Montre Ècole honours the early days of pocket watch conversions and celebrates the beginning of an illustrious career of a man pivotal in the shaping of one of the most important watch manufacturers.

The Movement

Through the domed sapphire caseback crystal (again, no flat surfaces here) is the Laurent Ferrier FBN 229.01 Calibre. Powered by a micro-rotor, this movement carries a power reserve of 72 hours, is adjusted to six positions, includes a Silicon natural escapement with a double direct impulse on the balance, and is nothing short of a nuanced delight to behold. While the precious metal counterparts of the Montre École feature conventional decoration, this steel example carries a more stripped-back and restrained appearance. Shot-blasting – or microbillé – commands the brass bridges of the movement. This technique must be completed pre-finishing, therefore requiring greater care when completing the anglage and sharp interior angles. Black polishing for the steel elements adds yet another degree of contrast, with the micro-rotor complete with its sun-ray pattern.

How It Wears

With an entirely round case possessing zero sharp edges and a set of lugs that suspend the watch's appearance while also down-turning in favour of the wrist, the Laurent Ferrier Montre École is wonderful on the wrist. As Ferrier envisioned for the brand, it's both archetypal and contemporary, expertly straddling the line between the two ideologies. An elegant dress piece at heart with the capacity to become an easy wearing daily, this Laurent Ferrier is for the connoisseurs.

Condition

Sold in 2019, this Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor “Ecole” comes with its original full set. Box, warranty papers, manual, cloth, LF loop and the original LF strap. In addition to the set, the watch is fitted with a Laurent Ferrier folding buckle instead of the standard LF pin buckle. The watch is Fitted to the a custom Mr Watchley Grained Midnight blue Strap. The watch is offered in superb, nearly new condition. 

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. No stock is kept on site.

* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set *