Manufacturer: Laurent Ferrier Year: Circa 2021 Movement No: 546 Model Name: Galet Micro-Rotor “École” Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. FBN 229.01, 35 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Laurent Ferrier pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Laurent Ferrier certificate stamped N.F.T. Switzerland dated March 2021, instruction manual, loupe, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Traditional timekeeping in its simplest form, the present Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor “École” is an extremely rare specimen and is one of seven pieces produced, as confirmed by the brand. Boasting a sublime silvered dial, the time display is outlined by chapter rings that go discreetly against the smooth satin-finished center. The cool silver canvas is contrasted with a set of warm assegai-shaped hands, along with hour markers at 3, 9 and 12 o’clock in a uniform golden hue that matches its case.
Housed underneath the dial is the incredibly well-executed self-winding cal. FBN 229.01. Taking inspiration from the natural escapement invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the movement utilises a double direct-impulse escapement, which improves the efficiency of the movement through its ability to use less power and maintain amplitude. Featuring unique frosted finishes, the yellow gold movement is equipped with a solid gold unidirectional pawl-fitted micro-rotor. The refined finishings on each component, every bevel and corner, can be admired via the sapphire caseback on the reverse of the watch.
Offered in excellent overall condition the present Galet Micro-Rotor “École” is further accompanied by its original accessories. Given Laurent Ferrier’s small yearly output, this lot is a rare opportunity to own one of the most sought-after independent watches today.
Introducing its first watch to critical acclaim in 2010, Laurent Ferrier was founded by long-time Swiss watchmaker of the same name. Following a 37-year career at Patek Philippe, Ferrier founded the brand in 2008, creating timeless wristwatches inspired by the finest wrist and pocket watches from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Revered by collectors around the world for their genuine innovations and understated elegance, the brand specializes in exquisitely hand-finished movements featuring state-of-the-art watchmaking technology. Galet, or "pebble" in French, describes the signature feature of the brand's cases used across its collection — with soft curves, domed crystals and rounded edges reminding one of a smooth pebble.
Key models include the Galet Classic Tourbillon Double Spiral and the Galet Micro-Rotor, with stunning movement architectures designed after prestigious observatory chronometer movements of the twentieth century.