Ok, ok – “introducing” is a bit of a stretch, as this is a watch that hit the streets all the way back in April. That said, it’s been on my list to write up because it’s just such a surprisingly cool, sleeper-style watch. Let’s have a peek at what the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon has hiding under the hood.
Before I even took a close look at the specs on the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon (all listed below), the dial grabbed my eye. You’ve got those elongated teardrop indices filled with a bright orange luminous paint, and dagger-style hands with those same tear drops set inside. This is set over a gradient blue (in the center) to black (at the edge) dial, which means this watch has one of my favorite color combinations occurring.
This is all set into what appears to my eye to be a modified cushion case, which holds a soft spot in my heart. Set into that, the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon has the brand’s first integrated steel bracelet, completing that steel sportwatch look. The bracelet itself is classic and tapered on the outer edges, and has “Hershey Nugget” style center links, playing with the light.
So, off the front, the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon is one I’m a fan of. Then, you flip it over, and see, well, just look at that picture above. You may not see a LOT of the movement, but what you do see really counts. Some lovely finishing, bright golden flares of color from the gear train, and then the tourbillon down at the bottom, giving you your own portable whirlwind.
Suffice to say – I’m a fan of the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon. And while I’d love to get one in for a review loan, with a pricetag of $185,000, that’s simply something that isn’t going to be happening. Ah, perchance to dream. It’s a lovely piece, and I’d say if you ever see one in person, make an opportunity to check it out more closely if possible. I can’t imagine you’d be disappointed. laurentferrier.ch
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon
- Price: $185,000
- Who we think it might be for: You like the sleeper-car ethos, hiding that tourbillon under “just” a three-hander
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I?ve seen? If money were no object, yes
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: While the dial is clean and uncluttered, it’s superbly done. To flip it over and see that movement? *chef’s kiss*
Tech Specs from Laurent Ferrier
MOVEMENT:
- Manual winding
- Diameter: 14??? (? 31.60 mm)
- Thickness: 5.57 mm
- Frequency: 3Hz (21600 vibrations/hour)
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- 188 mechanical parts / 23 jewels
- Hours and minutes in the centre
- Small seconds at 6 o?clock on tourbillon frame pivot
- Tourbillon rotating cage visible through sapphire case back
- Horizontal satin brushed bridges with a ruthenium treatment
TOURBILLON FEATURES:
- Tourbillon, opposite double balance spring
- Swiss? lever escapement
- Balance at variable geometry, with screw
- Tourbillon frame carrier in periphery
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Case:
- Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 44 mm
- Middle and bezel hooked, screwed bottom
- Sapphire bottom, tourbillon movement vision
- Water resistant at 100 meters
- Tinted sapphire glass
- Satin finishing on the sides and polished bezel
- Sporty bolts on the case back
Dial:
- Gradient blue opaline in centre and black at the periphery
- Small second at 6 o?clock
- Indexes: 18K/750 210Pd white gold with orange superluminova
Hands:
- 18K/750 210Pd white gold
- Hours and minutes: ??Assegai-shaped?? with orange superluminova
- Seconds: baton-type
Strap:
- Stainless steel integrated bracelet with 3 links
- Folding clasp
