SIHH 2016 – Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Boreal (luminous sector dial) hands-on photos and price

Last year we saw Laurent Ferrier release their first steel offering, the Galet Square and it didn’t disappoint! For an independent watch manufacturer that only previously worked in precious metals, it was a bold move. It was not only the case material that had changed. It was a move away from the classic round Galet (pebble) shaped case and towards something larger: the Galet Square cushion case. That being said, one functional feature we had not seen the brand implement is Superluminova on the dial. Until now, with the new Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Boreal.

Non-French speakers may forgive for not being aware that Galet is French for pebble. This was originally chosen as it nicely represented the natural change a pebble goes through over centuries of repeated abrasion. There is no doubt that holding the Galet Square case in one’s hand you can see the ergonomic correlation to nature’s creation.

This year at Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Laurent Ferrier launches the Boréal. The Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Boreal is the result of a slow evolution from Laurent Ferrier. The Square Boréal has a cushion style case and 41 x 41 mm in size. The Galet Square Boréal is true to its Art Deco roots but with a twist. The dial features the drop-shaped hour-markers we have become accustomed from Laurent Ferrier but this time has varied tones and textures with raised Superluminova on the chapter ring. The Superluminova is also applied to the “assegai-shaped” hours and minutes hands.

The Boréal has a so-called “sector-type” dial typical of the late 1930s attractively combines a vintage touch with a modern appearance. The dial is vertically satin-brushed and features a snailed small seconds sundial. All of that is also inspired by the unique edition made for Only Watch… that most collectors found so beautiful.

There is a ball or onion shaped crown and the back of the case is snap-on which allows the watchmaker to access the movement more easily. The accentuated slate-grey transfer around the periphery frames the cushion case nicely. Looking inside the case, the movement is a self-winding FBN 229.01 calibre, equipped with a unidirectional pawl-fitted micro-rotor and offering a three-day power reserve.

This is the first exclusive in-house movement developed, assembled and adjusted in the Laurent Ferrier workshops. It is fitted with a silicon escapement featuring a double direct impulse on the balance. This technology developed by Laurent Ferrier enables the balance to be impelled twice per oscillation, a principle that requires two escape wheels and an appropriately shaped lever. The finishing is quite sublime. When you peer in through the sapphire crystal caseback you see the Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges and the circular graining on the mainplate, the wheel spokes are bevelled, the screw heads are chamfered and polished and the interior angles are hand-crafted.

The Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Boreal comes at a retail price of 35,000 CHF.

Specifications – Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Boreal

• Movement: FBN Calibre 229.01, automatic winding with pawl-fitted micro-rotor, 72-hour power reserve – micro-rotor winding system fixed between the main plate and the micro-rotor bridge – silicon escapement with double direct impulse on the balance – silent block shock protection system for the micro-rotor
• Indications: hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock
• Movement diameter: 14’’’ = 31.60 mm – Movement thickness: 4.35 mm
• Number of parts: 186 – Number of jewels: 35
• Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz)
• Case: stainless steel, cushion-shaped – Water resistance: to 30 m – Case dimensions: 41x41mm (45.35mm across) – Case thickness: 11.10 mm
• Dial: black nickel-coloured, vertical satin-brushing, snailed small seconds and slate-grey transfer. Chapter ring coated with raised Superluminova – Hands: in 18K/750 ruthenium-treated gold, “assegai-shaped” for the hours and minutes, baton-shaped for the seconds
• Strap: leather and composite material with green stitching or light brown barbialla calf with Alcantara lining, hand sewn
• Buckle/clasp: pin buckle or double-blade folding clasp in stainless steel