Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro Rotor “MontreEcole”
For this haute horlogerie creation, Laurent Ferrier has recalled his very first creation as a watchmaker: the School Piece, or “MontreEcole”.
The School Piece incorporated the 19th century pocket watches codes, the skills and techniques that traditionalists will never allow to disappear. In paying homage to his ur-watch, Laurent Ferrier has developed a case with the same roundness above and below its wrist, as when those pioneering watchmakers converted pocket watches into wristwatches.
The Galet Micro Rotor “MontreEcole” has a new 40mm three-piece bassiné case, its form enhanced by two satin bands, with a matte finish to contrast with the polished. The competing-yet-harmonious surfaces emphasise the curved shape and balance of the piece, assisting the eye in appreciating the subtlety of the curvatures. Straight, thin lugs were developed to offer another contrast of the modern and the traditional, the “pastille” end-piece decoration mirrored by the winding crown.
The Galet Micro Rotor “MontreEcole” will be available in three versions including Red Gold, White Gold or Steel:
The Galet Micro Rotor “MontreEcole” Steel
This new case demanded a new dial, also inspired by the Laurent Ferrier School Piece “MontreEcole” with a vertical satin-brushed finish in a dark silver hue. Assegai-shaped white gold hands and indexes point to anthracite painted indexes. The minimalist small seconds dial, free of clutter, enjoys two contracting surfaces: a snailed finish in the centre and a sandblasted outer section.
Another nod to classicism is the finish of the main bridge, reminiscent of the “frosted” style of the great English watchmakers of the 18th century. Laurent Ferrier also chose a rougher decoration for its micro rotor movement, recalling the original materials uses in prototyping, such as brass, which offers a contrast with steel. Further hand-finishing skills applied to the movement include shot-blasting, known as microbillé, and mirror polishing for the parts in steel, including the balance cock.
It is fitted with a dark brown alligator leather strap with Alcantara lining, secured by a pin buckle or a double blade folding clasp in steel.
The Galet Micro Rotor “MontreEcole” Gold
Offered in Red Gold or White Gold three-piece bassiné cases, the gold models are fitted with Assegai hands matching the case metals. Sharing with the steel version’s dial are the vertical satin brushed finish in a silver hue and the minimalist small seconds dial with snailed finish in the centre and a sandblasted outer section.
The Galet Micro Rotor “MontreEcole” in gold will exhibit the exact same decoration as our existing Micro Rotor models. The gold editions attach to the wrist with light brown alligator leather straps with Alcantara lining, secured by a pin buckles or a double blade folding clasps in white or red gold.
Platinum is available on request
Technical details
Model: Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro- Rotor “Montre Ecole”
Reference: LCF024.AC/G/R
Movement
Calibre reference: FBN Calibre 229.01, automatic winding with pawl-fitted micro-rotor, 72-hour power reserve
Micro-rotor winding system fixed between the main plate and the micro-rotor bridge
Silicon escapement with double direct impulse on the balance
A silent block shock protection type system for the micro-rotor
Indications: hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock
Movement diameter: 14’’’ = 31.60 mm
Movement thickness: 4.35 mm
Number of parts: 186
Number of jewels: 35
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz)
Steel version, Ref: LCF024.AC
Case
Stainless Steel
40 mm three-piece bassiné case
Thickness: including the sapphire crystal 10.95 mm
Sapphire crystal case-back
Water-resistant to 30 metres
Dial
Dark silver toned vertical satin-brushed finish
Minimalist small seconds with a snailed finish in the centre and a sandblasted outer section
Hands
Hours & minutes: “assegai-shaped” hands in white gold
Seconds: baton-shaped in white gold
Strap
Grey alligator leather, hand-sewn, Alcantara lining
Stainless steel pin buckle or double-blade folding clasp
Movement decoration
Shot-blasting, known as microbillé, and mirror polishing for the parts in steel, including the balance cock
Gold case version, Ref: LCF024.G/R
Case
Available in white and red gold
40 mm three-piece bassiné case
Thickness: including the sapphire crystal 10.95 mm
Sapphire crystal case-back
Water-resistant to 30 metres
Dial
Two tone dial, silver toned vertical satin brushed finish for the center and circular satin brushed finish for the outer dial
Minimalist small seconds with a snailed finish in the centre and a sandblasted outer section
Hands
18K/210Pd white gold or red gold
Hours & minutes: “assegai-shaped”
Seconds: baton-shaped in white or red gold
Strap
Dark brown alligator leather, hand-sewn, Alcantara lining
White or red gold matching the case pin buckle or double-blade folding clasp
Movement decoration
Côtes de Genève pattern on the bridges and the circular graining on the mainplate, flanks are hand-drawn, wheel spokes are bevelled, screw heads are polished, and interior angles of the balance-cock are hand crafted with a burin. The micro-rotor bridge is hand polished.
