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The natural escapement the brains behind exceptional precision
With its Galet Micro-Rotor, Laurent Ferrier has developed his own a pawl-fitted automatic winding system, assisted by a double direct-impulse natural escapement. This escapement, devised by Breguet in the late 18th century, deserved to be adapted to the most modern technologies since it now contributes to the exceptional precision of wristwatches by Laurent Ferrier.

The watchmaker reflected on how to globally improve the efficiency of the movement’s energy management downstream. Given that the Swiss lever escapement entails a substantial loss of energy right from the start, Laurent Ferrier took a closer look at the natural escapement. Its main distinctive feature lies in the fact that two impulses are applied directly to the cannon pinion of the balance-wheel, with each vibration, “like a swing being pushed in both directions”, explains Laurent Ferrier. The transmissible energy is thus maintained at a peak level.

At the time, Breguet did not have the necessary materials nor sufficiently accurate equipment to ensure the smooth operation of these two escape-wheels producing their impulse directly on the balance. Today, by using a silicon lever as well as nickel phosphorous escape-wheels, all produced using LIGA technology, Laurent Ferrier has succeeded in reducing the torque required to wind the mainspring, and thereby simultaneously improving the movement winding. Its efficiency is superior to that of most of the classic escapements, and above all very stable.

So this is one of the rare micro-rotor calibres capable of performing as well as a movement with a central rotor, as proved by the Besançon Observatory tests. The chronometer certification results show an exceptional average daily rate of +0.89 seconds!


Inauguration of a first point of sale in China
Laurent Ferrier and brand CEO Olivier Muller attended the opening of the first point of sale in China. To mark the occasion, several successive events were held in the Middle Empire. Oriental Watch Company invited the most informed connoisseurs in Shanghai to an exclusive presentation of the collection on November 30th. The next day, on December 1st, the first point of sale was inaugurated in Zhengzhou with an official reception featuring a VIP cocktail, a press conference and a collector’s dinner. The brand was definitely welcomed with a good deal of interest and curiosity by devotees of Fine Watchmaking.

One-of-a-kind creation: the Galet Secret in red gold
Unique piece, this Galet Secret appears clothed in 18K 5N red gold. As pleasing to the eye as to the touch, the apparent simplicity of this round watch conceals a highly ingenious complication. Driven by the famous Tourbillon with Double Balance-Spring calibre, a device causes the two opaque dial crystals to pivot, revealing a 240° view of a hand-crafted second grand feu enamelled dial depicting the famous imperial dragon.


Original Language: English