Laurent Ferrier, the Geneva-based watchmaker, launches a new version of the iconic Atélier line as a tribute to the brand’s history, which is inextricably linked to its passion for racing. Sport Auto 40 is inspired by the legendary Porsche 935 Turbo that François Servanin and Laurent Ferrier, the two founders of the brand, entered in the 47th 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 9, 1979. A team of amateur racers, this car feat forged an unbreakable bond that later evolved into a common challenge: starting their own watchmaking company.
Limited to just 40 pieces, this watch features a metallic green banded sector dial with an opaque and semi-gloss lacquer finish. There is a beveled date window at the 3 o’clock position. The minute track is indicated by a green gradient line of the same color as the center of the watch. Orange Superluminova on the white gold hour markers and “Sagaie” shaped hour and minute hands add a touch of personality. The same color number “40” sits proudly on the opaque white small seconds dial at 6 o’clock, reminiscent of a racing car sticker.
Inspired by the aerodynamic lines of racing cars, the Sport Auto 40 recalls their aerodynamic design by cleverly combining rounded curves with curves and various finishing details. The round tonneau-shaped case has a diameter of 41.5 mm and is made from grade 5 titanium. As is typical for Laurent Ferrier, it displays beautifully contrasting finishing styles and is equipped with an integrated screw-down crown. elegantly to the middle of the shell.
Inside the Sport Auto 40 is the genuine LF270.01 movement, the brand’s second self-winding movement with a date display. It has a Swiss pallet escapement and a self-winding mechanism that has an off-center micro-rotor. To improve shock and vibration resistance, it is equipped with one-way ball bearings. The 950 platinum oscillating weight micro-rotor is placed directly between the main plate and rotor bridge to ensure optimal stability and maximum winding efficiency. When fully wound, this caliber has a power reserve of over 72 hours.
In keeping with the standards of this small manufacturer, the movement is finished to perfection. The sapphire crystal back shows off the full beauty of the movement. The bridges are satin-brushed and ruthenium-plated. All parts are meticulously hand-decorated, corners are softened and then finished with gentian and diamantine, and surfaces are polished to a mirror finish. Lovers of traditional haute horlogerie will also admire the satin-brushed and circular grain finish.
The Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto comes with an integrated three-link grade 5 titanium bracelet and deployment clasp. Price is marked at CHF 51,000 excluding taxes, or approximately USD 57,700 at the time of writing. It is available online only at Laurent Ferrier’s website.
