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Laurent Ferrier debuts moonphase complication in Classic Moon

April 2024


Laurent Ferrier debuts moonphase complication in Classic Moon

After winning the GPHG for its Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit, which captured the warm colours of dawn, the esteemed independent brand returns to its first love, the Classic series. Reaching for the skies again with two new versions featuring an annual calendar and its first-ever lunar complication.

T

he Laurent Ferrier atelier presents two outstanding interpretations of their Classic collection. Both versions have an Annual Calendar, and the brand’s first ever moon phase complication. The Annual Calendar Moon Phase is set within the poetic curves of the design chosen by the GPHG as Best Men’s Watch in 2010, the year the brand debuted, a fitting frame for its first lunar complication.

The Classic case has the Laurent Ferrier signature in each sweep of its pebble-smooth curves, with a choice of polished stainless steel or 18-carat red gold. The recognisable and studied shape results from a considered and discreet design evolution, encapsulating two distinct dials with intricate hand-finished details. In presenting two distinctive and complimentary red gold and steel references, the watchmaker offers a new interpretation of the classic stylistic codes for which the brand is known.

Both versions have a balanced 40-mm case and delicately curved lugs that offer a smooth, ergonomic presence on the wrist. The aesthetic has all the hallmarks of the Laurent Ferrier design language, with a gently curved bezel and the pleasure of setting the watch using the ball-shaped crown.

Laurent Ferrier debuts moonphase complication in Classic Moon

The Annual Calendar Moon Phase reveals a sapphire case back that offers an expansive view of the new LF126.02 calibre, accompanied by the Olivette on the case back bezel, at 6 o’clock, making the movement accessible to the watchmaker.

The gently curved ball crown winds and sets the date and time. A flush-fitted corrector at 10 o’clock is used to adjust the day display, while a second corrector between 8 and 9 sets the moon phase complication with its enigmatic Aventurine glass design.

The Classic Moon, with its annual calendar and moon phase, embodies classical elegance, thanks to its meticulously curated dial. The very gentle vertical brushing creates a subtle and delicate interplay of light, giving a sense of purity despite displaying a wide range of indications.

Encircling the slender Roman numerals and baton markers is a chemin de fer minute track in a rich shade of petrol blue with the 31 date numerals in a classic font. The 31st is rendered in a luscious shade of cherry red, matching the central date pointer.

Deep-set just below 12 o’clock are two bevelled windows framing a weekday display on the left and the month on the right. The hour and minute hands are slender, ruthenium-treated white gold versions of the Assegai-shaped hands. A debuting feature, resplendent in blue, will inspire a closer look at six o’clock.

At the base of the dial, knowledgeable collectors will recognise a slightly expanded version of the small seconds display. It is intertwined with the first ever Moon Phase complication by Laurent Ferrier, with a distinct and intricate design in eye-catching Aventurine glass and a translucent enamel.

This version of the Classic Moon is paired with a brown calf leather strap with a matching Alcantara lining.

Laurent Ferrier debuts moonphase complication in Classic Moon

Like the silver dial, this second version of the Classic Moon by Laurent Ferrier exudes an unmatched refinement. Its monochrome dial brings a modern twist to the classic design, and a daring yet delicate interpretation of the annual calendar moon phase model.

Set in a stainless steel Classic case, the tonal grey-blue dial reveals a contemporary feel enhanced by the opaline finish. Its shades contrast beautifully with the crisp graphic of the white Roman numerals, giving the traditional font a dynamic edge. In this version, the encircling date numerals are rendered in a pastel blue matching the central date pointer, while the 31st stands out with a fresh azure hue. Its tip touches the chemin de fer outer circle, while the slender Assegai-shaped hour and seconds hand are rendered in white-lacquered white gold.

At six o’clock, the first ever Laurent Ferrier moon phase display will undoubtedly draw attention with its captivating Aventurine glass display, brought to life by the artisan’s skills. This is set within a recessed grey-blue opaline circle with powder-grey markers, offering a soft contrast to the opaline grey-blue dial. The rich blue of the captivating moon phase display embodies the understated elegance that sets any Laurent Ferrier apart.

This version of the Classic Moon is presented on a hand-sewn dark grey Nubuck strap with a soft Alcantara lining.

As the first ever lunar complication from Laurent Ferrier, this new creation is the pièce de résistance shared by these two new references. At the centre of the small seconds dial, an enigmatic dark blue moon disc represents the cycles of the moon. First, Aventurine glass from Murano artisans is engraved to create the shape of the moon and stars with hand-applied white paint for the details. The moon and stars are then hand-filled with Super-LumiNova and fired at high temperatures. Afterwards, the Super-LumiNova is further engraved to create craters on the moon’s surface. The magnificent moon phase disc is then adorned with a translucid petrol blue enamel applique, imbuing it with an enchanting and sophisticated effect.

An understated miniature baton pointer in white-lacquered or ruthenium-treated white gold indicates the seconds. The lunar phases of the Northern Hemisphere are opposed to the Southern Hemisphere moon, as indicated by the N and S markers between the small second markers. Reflecting the Laurent Ferrier brand, this first moon phase complication combines traditional age-old watchmaking craftsmanship with current modern sciences and technologies.

These two new Laurent Ferrier Classic Moon phase references feature an annual calendar with a precision moon phase: a first for the watchmaker. The annual calendar complication recognizes and distinguishes months with 30 and 31 days, automatically advancing to the 1st of the month when appropriate.

Manual adjustment is only necessary once a year, on March 1st, to adapt to the varying number of days in February. A discreet flush fitted corrector is set on the left side of the case between 8 and 9 o’clock to adjust the moon phase display. The date is adjusted the same way using a setting pin via a second corrector at 10 o’clock. All other adjustments are easily made using the trademark ball-shaped crown.

Inspired by the brand’s previous annual calendar movement, the LF126.01, the new LF126.02 is a redesigned and improved version with an 80-hour power reserve, replenished through the crown. Over 30 new components have been added to create this new calibre, and more than twenty have been revised and optimized. A power reserve indicator is positioned on the case back side of the watch movement.

Highly appreciated by purists, the long blade ratchet pawl is characteristic of all hand-wound Laurent Ferrier calibres, offering a polished bassiné finish handcrafted in the LF workshops. The rear sapphire crystal reveals the mechanism and the finesse of its hand-crafted surface treatment, executed by Laurent Ferrier watchmakers according to the most demanding criteria of traditional Haute Horlogerie. Each bridge is adorned with Rhodium-treated Côtes de Genève decoration. The main plate is embellished with circular graining, while the edges and interior angles are bevelled and polished by hand, just like each recessed screw head in the movement.

Laurent Ferrier debuts moonphase complication in Classic Moon

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

REF: LCF039.R5.G3N or LCF039.AC.C1WC

Movement
• Manual winding Calibre LF126.02
• Swiss lever escapement and screw balance
• Indications: Central hours and minutes. Small seconds at 6 o’clock, power reserve zone indicator on the movement side.
• Annual calendar and moon phase:
• Central hand for the date
• Day and month indication
• Moon phase dial at 6 o’clock
• Clockwise and counter-clockwise correction for the calendar in the intermediate position
• Diameter: Ø 31.60 mm (14’’)
• Thickness: 6.30 mm
• Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Number of components: 266
• Number of jewels: 25

Case
• Stainless steel or 18K/750 5N red gold
• Dimension: 40 mm in diameter
• Height: 12.90 mm
• Water-resistant to 30 metres
• Day corrector located at 10 o’clock
• Moon corrector located at 8:30
• “Ball” shaped crown in stainless steel or 18K/750 5N red gold

Dial
• Grey-blue opaline or vertical satin-finished silver
• Vintage-inspired date numbers in pastel blue or petrol blue transfer, and “31” in azure blue or cherry red
• Hour circle with Roman numerals and baton-shaped indices in white or anthracite grey transfer
• Small seconds at 6 o’clock, with outer circle in grey-blue opaline and powder grey or anthracite grey markers
• Bevelled windows for the days and months at 12 o’clock

Hands
• 18K/750 white gold 210 Pd
• Hour and minute: Assegai-shaped, painted white or treated with Ruthenium
• Second: baton type without counterweight, painted white or treated with Ruthenium
• Date: Assegai-shaped, painted in pastel blue or cherry red

Strap
• Dark grey Nubuck or Brown Calf, hand-sewn, tone-on-tone Alcantara lining
• Pin buckle in stainless steel or 18K/750 5N red gold

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