Manufacturer: Laurent Ferrier Year: Circa 2011 Reference No: FBN 229.01 Movement No: No.379 Case No: No.379 Model Name: Galet Mirco-Rotor Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. FBN 229.01, 35 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Laurent Ferrier pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied with undated Laurent Ferrier Certificate of Origin, loupe, cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Laurent Ferrier’s creations are known to capture the very essence of simplicity and modern innovation of haute horlogerie. As an influential figure at Patek Philippe for over 35 years as creative director of the coveted brand, Laurent Ferrier began his eponymous brand in 2010 and immediately captured the heart of purists with his Galet Classic Tourbillon Double Spiral. Notable for the subtle sophistication of his timepieces, the Galet Micro-Rotor was unveiled in 2011. The sinuous contour and flowing turned lugs resembles a river stone, hence the name “Galet” meaning pebble in French.
Traditional timekeeping in its simplest form, the reference features a pair of white gold assegai-shaped hands stretching across the ash blue dial. Sitting underneath the dial house the incredibly high quality self-winding calibre 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. Contrasting finishes of perlage and Geneva stripes, allow with a 18K solid gold fan-shaped micro-rotor, the movement is tastefully refined to the utmost degree.
With only several dozens of exceptional piece leaving his work benches per year, the present example in excellent condition with its original accessories is a remarkable example of the brand’s minimalistic approach.
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.
