Jul 17, 2023
Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto Review
Overview
The Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto, a new watch in the collection, stands as a tribute to the extraordinary racing adventures experienced by the brand's founders, Laurent Ferrier and François Servanin. Inspired by their impressive finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1979, this watch embodies the thrill of the race and the emotions aroused by such an event.
Design
Inspired by the sensations of motor racing - the vibrations of the steering wheel, the roar of the engine, the screeching of the tires, the heat of the leather gloves, and the intensity of speed - the Sport Auto is designed to stir emotions. The design is a fine blend of firm and rounded curves, highlighted by a few counter-curves that give a perfectly balanced and sporty silhouette.
The Case
The case of the Sport Auto is constructed from grade 5 titanium and measures 41.5 mm in diameter. To create harmony between different components, a contrasting bezel with softer lines, an evolution from the brand's Square case, is added to the tonneau-shaped middle case. The exterior design involves varied finishes on different surfaces - a circular satin-brushed finish on the bezel contrasts with mirror-polished flanks and a vertical satin-brushed middle case.
Dial and Display
The domed sapphire crystal offers a panoramic view of a dial that gathers all the aesthetic codes of LAURENT FERRIER. Its different shades of blue, combined with an opaline finish, lends it a soft and powdery line. White gold drop-shaped hands and indexes, illuminated by green Super-LumiNova, add tone to the dial. A snailed small seconds dial at 6 o'clock is enlivened with powdered grey markers, with the logo and the central cross matching this color.
The Movement
Housed within is the Maison’s second automatic calendar movement, the LF 270.01 calibre, a product of exclusive LAURENT FERRIER development. A subtle blend of tribute to the micro-rotor with natural escapement and a more assertive, sporty style, this movement is entirely designed, decorated, assembled and adjusted in the LAURENT FERRIER workshops. The movement features a unidirectional ball bearing and a micro-rotor equipped with a 950 platinum oscillating weight, providing a power reserve of over 72 hours.
On The Wrist
The Sport Auto is an epitome of elegance and sportiness. The case and the fully integrated bracelet, both in grade 5 titanium, display vertical satin finishes, contrasting with polished flanks. The inclined sides of the center links are also polished, giving the Sport Auto a very mechanical aspect, a tribute to traditional watchmaking blended with the founders’ passion for motor racing. Thanks to the screw-down crown and water resistance up to 120 meters, this watch ensures maximum comfort for daily wear.
Final Thoughts
The Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto is a splendid amalgamation of sporting spirit and watchmaking elegance. Crafted with attention to the smallest detail, this timepiece is a testament to LAURENT FERRIER's meticulous craftsmanship and passion for motor racing. As a watch that stirs emotions, just like the motor racing adventures of its founders, it is indeed a remarkable piece of art in the world of horology.
