2013/07/16

Laurent Ferrier the New Generation Galet Classic - Double Balance-Spring Tourbillon

 

The Galet Classic watch has decisively proven its worth since being presented in 2009, earning enviable distinctions such as in the 2010 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, as well as being recognised as the most accurate chronometer ever tested by Besançon Observatory since 2006. Can we expect to see it reach new heights of performance? Laurent Ferrier leaves no doubt on that topic, as the brand continues to be driven by a determination to never rest on its laurels, pushing ever further its quest for independence, devoting extreme care to each detail and seeking out new arguments so as to offer only the best in all respects. 2013 thus sees the advent of a Galet Classic equipped with the new LF 619.01 movement. Through this version, Laurent confirms its mastery of horological expertise, by opting to pursue the logic of its approach – already demonstrated with the micro-rotor calibre – that involves developing and handling its own escapement mechanism on its existing double balance-spring tourbillon movement, the goal being to ensure optimal energy management.

Controlled independence
Inspired by expertise now over 200 years old, the Galet Classic incorporates an avant-garde technique that ensures exceptional precision. It is equipped with a tourbillon device conceived by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, complemented by two head-to-tail mounted balance-springs in the centre of the balance. The main advantage of this construction developed by Laurent Ferrier lies in maintaining the centre of the balance firmly on its axis, while compensating for the effects of gravity. This approach guarantees the extreme reliability of the regulating system.

Over the past 15 months, Laurent Ferrier has been steadily working on a new version of its initial calibre. While the general principle remains unaltered, since it has clearly demonstrated its performance, the techniques have been improved and the constructions subtle interpreted and fine-tuned. As in any competitive mechanism, performance is about a whole host of tiny details. As well as enhancing performances, Laurent Ferrier sought to completely control production of the regulating organ in order to perpetuate a specific skill within the company workshop. The Galet Classic thus now features a “second”, even more accomplished version of which the production is entirely handled in-house.

Let’s take a look at the main changes that have been made to Calibre LF 619.01 :
The Laurent Ferrier Research & Development (R&D) has devised a new geometry for the lever and escape-wheel in order to optimise the efficiency of the system. This design, along with the use of steel, considerably enhances the performance of the Swiss lever escapement. The new type of lever (patent pending) stems from a reflection on how to improve the position of the two pallets in an optimal manner so as to reduce the security angles in the escapement construction – the goal being to increase the impulse surfaces and thus intensify the system’s efficiency. Metaphorically speaking, Laurent Ferrier sought to improve the efficiency of the engine in order to cover a maximum distance with as little fuel.

• This new geometry provides constant support for the lever and serves to achieve optimal values in each position. It reduces the losses of force due to backlash and facilitates the unlocking impulse. Instead of increasing the forces in play in the barrel, Laurent Ferrier pursues its efforts in the same spirit of using existing energy in a more effective way.
• The famous head-to-tail mounted double balance-spring system has been revisited in a new and more resistant material that will remain confidential and is designed to further enhance regularity.
• The balance – now exclusive to Laurent Ferrier – has been redesigned in order to perfect its rating precision. The four adjustment screws are in gold to ensure the finest possible adjustment.

This new creation offers a further demonstration of the technical capabilities of Laurent Ferrier, its responsiveness and its autonomy in the field of R&D. This evolution gives it complete independence in producing its own made-to-measure parts in order to guarantee reliability and precision. In keeping with a long-term approach to developing its line of calibres, Laurent Ferrier wishes to ensure the compatibility of its own regulating organ.

These resolutely horological modifications represent undeniable assets in drawing ever closer to perfection. Right from the design stage, Laurent Ferrier seeks to counteract the phenomenon of irregularity inherent in each movement given that the barrel spring, between the time of winding and the end of the power reserve, delivery an energy flow that steadily diminishes as it is discharged. These differences interfere with the regularity of rate of the watch, meaning its precision. In association with the tourbillon mechanism, with suitably adapted construction and materials, as well as manual rating of the escapement, the regulating organ maintains its equilibrium in the various positions and thus delivers excellent rating accuracy – in turn ensuring optimal timing precision.

A refined expression of pure horological artistry
As in the previous version, the Galet Classic maintains its trademark design features inspired by the large 19th century chronometers: the manual-winding system appears without the modern winding-stem pull-out piece spring, replaced by a “long blade” ratchet pawl with a smoothly round-polished finish hand-crafted in the in-house workshops. This component may be admired through the back of the case, protected by a sapphire crystal that also provides views of the manual finishing of the calibre – performed in harmony with the most demanding standards of traditional Fine Watchmaking. The bridges are adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif, the mainplate is circular-grained, the sharp edges and interior angles are chamfered and hand-polished, and the screw heads are also polished. The result is a supremely refined expression of pure horological artistry.

One new movement, two new dials
The new Galet Classic features a more contemporary subtly decorated dial in silvered or slate grey 18K gold. The centre is delicately hand-guilloché with a “Clous de Paris” hobnail motif, framed on the outer rim by a circular satin-brushed décor. It is punctuated by a hollowed small seconds at 6 o’clock swept over by “assegai-shaped” gold hour and minute hands, along with a baton-type seconds hand. Like all Laurent Ferrier timepieces, it is perfectly readable thanks to the graphic arrangement of the “teardrop” applied gold hour-markers and the finely beaded minute circle.

The curve of the case carved out of solid red or white gold reflects the brand’s pure, restrained design codes. It is pebble-shaped (galet in French) in a nod to the large and refined historical watch models. It is equipped with a ball-shaped winding-crown ensuring more pleasant handling. The snap-on case-back makes the movement more accessible to the watchmaker via the olivette. Its water-resistance is guarantee to a depth of 30 metres.

The Galet Classic is equipped with an Alcantara-lined black or chestnut brown leather strap complete with a pin buckle or double-blade folding clasp in 18K red or white gold matching the colour of the case.

A steel limited series
Laurent Ferrier wished to mark the introduction of this new development by offering an 18-piece limited series with a steel case. The 18K gold dial is hand-decorated with a textured guilloché sunburst motif. The “teardrop” hour-markers blend into the décor and accentuate its depth effect. The small seconds are still at 6 o’clock, slightly recessed and rimmed with a gold decorative fillet. Each of these watches is numbered on the back.