Manufacturer: Laurent Ferrier Year: Circa 2021 Movement No: No. 099 Model Name: Bridge One Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. LF107.01, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Laurent Ferrier pin buckle Dimensions: 30mm width x 44mm length Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by blank Laurent Ferrier certificate, instruction manual, cloth, loupe, travel case and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Parting from its usual smooth pebble-like cases, the Bridge One features a rectangular-shaped case with distinct curves that retains the DNA of the firm with strong art deco vibes. Inspired by Passerelle de l’Ile in Geneva, the case is indeed shaped like a bridge illustrated via its arched case design. The Passerelle de l’Ile in Geneva was completed in 1876 and designed as a pedestrian bridge to cross the fast-flowing waters of the River Rhone. The same inspiration behind the unique collaboration between Laurent Ferrier and Urwerk for Only Watch 2017, the Arpal One.
While the inspiration behind the case is nothing short of spectacular, the movement (LF107.01) was specifically modified and re-shaped from an existing annual calendar movement to fit the rectangular case without the annual calendar module, basically, same barrel, same gear train and same escapement. The manual-winding LF107.01 calibre features a Swiss lever escapement, beats at 3Hz and has a comfortable power reserve of 80 hours. The model was released with two variants both in stainless steel one with a white enamel dial and the other with a slate grey dial.
The present example Laurent Ferrier Bridge One from circa 2021 consigned by the original owner is offered in “like new” overall condition fitted with the attractive slate grey dial, giving the watch a more industrial appeal compared to its white enamel counterpart. Now discontinued, it is a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire the first ever Bridge One to ever appear at a PHILLIPS auction.
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.