BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
For Watches & Wonders Geneva in 2025, Laurent Ferrier adds a unique new blue colour to its Classic Auto Horizon series to accompany the Classic Traveller Globe Night Blue watch.
If you’ve never heard of the Laurent Ferrier name before, it came around in 2010 when the new wave of independent watchmaking took off. Laurent Ferrier himself is an experienced watchmaker who previously worked for Patek Philippe but was also a semi-professional racing driver, coming third in 1979’s Le Mans race and just one position behind Paul Newman. Through racing, Laurent Ferrier met François Servanin, and they went into watchmaking as the Laurent Ferrier brand. Their watches are classically beautiful, and the new Classic Auto Horizon ref LCF046.AC.CG1, with its blue dial, is no different.
The dial is clean and elegant. Vertical brushing and a circular motif are applied to the dial plate before the elegant translucent blue lacquer is applied over the top. The date window is another elegant feature, and is shaped as it is so that there are no shadows on the date numerals thus making it easier to read.
Around the back is the calibre LF270.01 which is an automatic calibre with a platinum micro rotor. It also has a Swiss lever escapement beating at 4Hz with a 72-hour power escapement. With that said, it’s the movement’s decoration that’s the star of the show. Laurent Ferrier’s watches are prime examples of why independent horology is celebrated so, the finishing is impeccable from afar and from up close. From the vertical stripes to the polishing of the plate edges, the engraving and everything else, it’s a feast for the eyes.
It’s all wrapped up in a stainless steel case measuring 40.00mm x 11.94mm with 30m of water resistance. The polishing all over the case, coupled with the domed sapphire crystal, makes this watch feel like a smooth pebble in the hand. The strap is made of goat leather and is incredibly soft and flexible, making this a very comfy watch.
As expected, a watch of this calibre (pun intended) doesn’t come cheap. Laurent Ferrier’s Classic Auto Horizon with the blue dial costs CHF45,000 before taxes. I guess it’s the price you pay for independent watchmaking like this.
