Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Square Tourbillon Hands-On


Inside, the hand wound movement (caliber LF 619.01), powering the new timepiece, is identical. It beats at 3Hz (21,600 vph), has 188 parts, 23 jewels, and an 80-hour power reserve. The bridges are decorated with Geneva stripes, the mainplate has a circular graining decoration, the angles are chamfered and polished by hands, and the screw heads are also polished.

The newly introduced Galet Classic Square Tourbillon Double Balance Spring is basically a square version of the Galet Classic Tourbillon Double Balance Spring that we showed you last year.

The differences are in the 18K white gold case, which at 41.5 mm x 12.70 mm, is slightly larger, and square. And the dial, which, has a printed railway minutes track, circular satin-brushed chapter ring, applied drop-shaped hour markers, assegai-shaped ruthenium-treated white gold hands, on top of a silver-toned opaline finish dial. The small seconds display has a baton-shaped white gold hand, with a recessed and snailed finish subdial and a satin-brushed outer ring that is marked with a seconds track. The words “Tourbillon Double Spiral,” are printed on the dial, in a powdered silver-toned grey – and done with the same incredible level of detail as the rest of the dial – to create a tone-on-tone effect.

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Technically speaking, the double balance spring, is the highlight of the watch. Developed by Laurent Ferrier, the design maintains the center of the balance firmly on its axis, while compensating for the effects of gravity. Which according to the brand, “guarantees the extreme reliability of the regulating system.”

A “Ball-shaped” crown in white gold, controls all functions. Like the round version of this watch, the tourbillon is hidden (only visible through the caseback). Water-resistance is 30 meters. The Galet Classic Square Tourbillon comes with an anthracite grey alligator leather strap with Alcantara lining, secured with a pin buckle or a double-blade folding clasp in 18K white gold.

Although I am not personally daring enough to wear anything but round wristwatches, this watch is stunning. The fit and finish are superb. And the hidden tourbillon is perfect for those who appreciate the complicated technical aspects of a fine timepiece but don’t necessarily want to show it off.

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