In the world of fine watchmaking, achieving that delicate balance between design and performance can be the key to creating a showstopper. Classic Auto Sandstone, the sixth and latest edition from Laurent Ferrier’s direct-sales “atelier” series, deftly manages this balancing act.
It offers collectors a unique blend of the ultra-pure design from the independent brand’s Classic collection and the mechanical robustness of its Sport Auto range, all while introducing a new, eye-catching sand-coloured dial tone.
Just 20 pieces of the Classic Auto Sandstone are available exclusively via Laurent Ferrier’s website starting today.
A Dynamic Palette
Taking centre stage on the Classic Auto Sandstone is its stunning dial. This new addition to the Laurent Ferrier collection draws inspiration from the warm, earthy tones of nature, with a subtle nod to vintage watches from the last century.
The rose-hued dial offers a serene yet dynamic palette of coppery tones that shift between shades of beige and brown under different lighting conditions. Vertical satin-brushing in the centre contrasts beautifully with the azurage-decorated small seconds and the circular-grained minute track, creating a visual interplay of light that adds depth to the otherwise minimalist aesthetic.
Meanwhile, the date window at 3 o’clock features a sloped profile transposed directly from the company’s Sport Auto line, and its slate grey frame marries seamlessly with the crosshair motif at the centre of the dial. Completing the indications are white gold Assegai-shaped hands and drop-shaped hour markers – a signature combination of the brand.
More than Just a Pretty Face
Laurent Ferrier’s Classic collection is known for its timeless round cases and the Classic Auto Sandstone stays true to this aesthetic. The 41mm stainless steel case is distinctly pebble-shaped, with its soft, rounded edges evoking a sense of fluidity.
The case is equipped with a sapphire crystal display back, offering a window onto the meticulously finished LF 270.01 automatic calibre. Originally intended for the brand’s Sport Auto collection, this movement is designed to resist the rigours of daily wear while maintaining the precision one expects from a high-end timepiece.
It boasts a sturdy lever escapement – rather than Laurent Ferrier’s more complex natural escapement – while the platinum micro-rotor is solidly sandwiched between its bridge and the mainplate, turning via a shock- and vibration-resistant unidirectional ball-bearing system. At full wind, the movement’s power reserve is 72 hours, making it this “weekend proof” watch.
Finest of Hand-Finishing
One of the hallmarks of Laurent Ferrier’s watches is the painstaking attention to detail that goes into their hand decoration. The Classic Auto Sandstone is no exception.
Each LF 270.01 calibre undergoes over 139 manual finishing operations, ensuring that the movement is as much a work of art as the dial it animates. The decoration includes hand-polished bevels, straight and circular graining, spotting and Geneva waves. Meanwhile, the platinum micro-rotor is engraved with distinctive feather and chevron motifs.
Limited and Exclusive
With its mix of refined aesthetics and solid engineering, Classic Auto Sandstone offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a Laurent Ferrier that embodies the best of both worlds – elegance and everyday reliability. The new eye-catching dial adds further allure, maintaining the brand’s hallmark of understated luxury.
In keeping with previous Atelier Série releases, this model is limited to just 20 numbered pieces. Each one is priced at CHF 50,000 excluding taxes and is available only through Laurent Ferrier’s website.
