A very rare, forty millimetre, platinum Micro-Rotor from Laurent Ferrier made at the special-request of an important client and delivered on the 24th of November 2016. Unlike the 41mm Limited Edition with an enamel dial (eighteen ever made) this is the only known example of this model, in this case size, in that metal. The watch also has a two-finish dial design seen on other micro-rotors, however using a lighter champagne colour, ordinarily reserved for the Galet Square.

A true independent manufacture, Laurent Ferrier makes only several dozen watches per year, at an exceptionally high level. It is headed by  himself, who worked at Patek Philippe for 40 years, finishing as their Creative Director.

This Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor has a distinctive amorphous, bevel-free shape. The case features a rounded bezel, thin lugs and the manufactures' signature onion-shaped crown. The entire watch is polished and mirror finished, while the crown itself equally engraved. The watch features a screw-down case back, usually used as additional protection for a grand-feu enamel dial. The beautiful light-champagne coloured dial is accented by varying finishing techniques. On top of this are Laurent Ferrier’s signature ‘Assegai’-shaped hands in white gold, matched by the hour indexes.

Powered by the in-house, self-winding calibre LF 229.01 (Movement No. 4XX), it has an incredibly high-quality movement that combines traditional watchmaking, with modern innovation. Interestingly, where haute-horlogerie often favours a manual-winding movement that’s not blocked by a rotor, Laurent Ferrier decided that contemporary needs, called for an automatic movement. The solution was the incorporation of a Micro-Rotor as a winding mechanism, allowing the architecture of the movement to be shown completely. The fan-shaped micro-rotor is made of solid gold and is suspended by a large bridge, together, intended to create the impression of a bird standing on one foot. Furthermore, it uses a pawl, allowing it to wind in a unidirectional manner, adding efficiency and reliability.

Impressively, the Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor also utilises a double direct-impulse escapement, which improves the efficiency of the movement through its ability to use less power and maintain amplitude, achieved through the escape-lever being locked down between two escape wheels. The finishing of the movement is a major focus for the Galet Micro-Rotor, with contrasts established between the perlage backdrop and the thick circular-grained Geneva Stripes on the bridges. The incredibly precise finishing of the interior angles is achieved through the use of a burin, and the handwork of the manufacture’s skilled craftsmen.

The timekeeping of the Galet Micro-Rotor is equally impressive - it is chronometer-certified by the Besançon Observatory, outperforming its more commonly, COSC-approved peers. It also has a power reserve of 72 hours.

This watch comes on its original alligator strap and a matching platinum tang buckle, and accompanied by multiple new straps.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London.

Closer look

Brand:	Laurent Ferrier
Model:	Galet Micro-Rotor (special commission)
Movement:	Mechanical Automatic Cal. LF 229.01
Functions:	Time-only: Hours, Minutes, Sub-seconds
Features:	Display Back, White Enamel Grand Feu Dial
Case:	40 mm Platinum 950
Crystal:	Sapphire, front and back
Bracelet:	Brown Laurent Ferrier Alligator Strap with Laurent Ferrier Platinum Tang Buckle
Year:	24th November 2016
Box & papers:	Original Box and Papers from Laurent Ferrier

This self-winding, Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro Rotor comes as a full set, with box and papers, and is guaranteed for authenticity. The watch is in mint condition.