Laurent Ferrier

This one-of-a-kind watch is a prototype made by Laurent Ferrier for Revolution magazine in 2020. It was created during the development of the Classic Origin Edition Limitée pour Revolution & The Rake, when the partners were deciding which movement should power the limited edition: the hand-wound caliber LF116.01 or the automatic caliber FBN229.01. In the end, the caliber LF116.01 and thus the basic Classic Origin model was preferred, while the prototype Galet Micro-Rotor Salmon Dial Unique Piece for Revolution did not receive a sequel in the form of a limited edition and was the only piece finally launched on the market.

In preparation for the joint project, Laurent Ferrier produced two prototypes, the Classic Origin and the Galet Micro-Rotor. For the second prototype (the present example), the brand proposed a salmon-colored dial with a two-zone ‘sector’ (or ‘scientific’) design, in which the matte center zone contrasts with the brushed chapter ring. The design of the ‘sector’ dial of the unique prototype is inspired by the Galet Micro-Rotor watch made by Laurent Ferrier for the auctioneer Aurel Bacs. The Arabic numerals 3, 6, 9 and 12 are positioned within the circular line of the ‘sector’ dial, giving the watch a unique character that is further emphasized by the absence of a small seconds hand.

The soft shapes and finish of the Galet stainless steel case are complemented by a delicate but rather large and easy-to-operate turban-shaped crown. The elongated hands in the modified ‘spade & whip’ style, which are given soft, streamlined shapes, are made of blued steel – Laurent Ferrier calls this design ‘Assegai’. In combination with the salmon color and the ‘sector’ dial design, it gives the watch a special charm and recognition.

The most striking design feature of the Galet Micro-Rotor Salmon Dial Unique Piece for Revolution is the so-called ‘scientific’ dial. It is often referred to as a ‘sector dial’, but Revolution has chosen the term ‘scientific’ for this watch. Watches with such a dial, both wristwatches and pocket watches, appeared in the 1920s as one of the ways to display the time more clearly. Their distinctive feature is that the chapter ring has a circular line from which the ‘stick’ hour markings deviate outwards. Some of these hour markings could be supplemented or replaced by Arabic numerals, while in this watch the Arabic numerals 3, 6, 9 and 12 are located within the circular line of the ‘scientific’ dial. To increase clarity, the ‘scientific’ dial is divided into zones that differ in color and finish. In this watch, both zones have the same ‘salmon’ color, while the central zone has matt finish, and the chapter ring is brushed, which provides the necessary visual contrast.

The Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor Salmon Dial Unique Piece for Revolution is a very attractive purchase for collector and connoisseurs looking for an extremely rare, understated and stylish dress wristwatch from a modern haute horlogerie watch brand that is one of the most notable players in the modern collector’ market. The combination of typical Laurent Ferrier design features such as the smoothly rounded, pebble-shaped case, the sleek ‘Assegai’ hands in the unique branded design, the mini rotor self-winding caliber in a beautiful design with Haute Horlogerie finishing and the special features of this unique piece, in particular the stainless steel case and the salmon-colored ‘scientific’ dial, make this watch even more attractive.