Technically speaking, the original Galet has become a square leaning towards a cushion shape. Laurent Ferrier has devoted particular attention to the aesthetic harmony of the model. This involved rigorous respect for the proportions between the volume of the case and that of the movement. The flowing lines designed five years ago by Laurent Ferrier have been maintained and are now housed within a new case that reprises every subtle detail. The difficulty of the exercise lay in preserving this aesthetic signature while gently shifting it towards new lines. The Galet Square, measuring 41 x 41 mm, is intended to assert a bolder presence on the wrist than the models that inspired it.
This is also the first time that Laurent Ferrier is introducing a steel case. The movement is still the self-winding FBN 229.01 calibre with unidirectional pawl-fitted micro-rotor and a three-day power reserve.It is equipped with silicon escapement featuring double direct impulse on the balance. This innovation 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. This modern construction, combined with the use of cutting-edge materials, maximises energy efficiency, thereby guaranteeing a high amplitude of the balance. This reduces the amount of mechanical force required to wind the mainspring and thus optimises winding.
In terms of finishing, Laurent Ferrier treats its Galet Square to two different dials. The first minimalist version features a sunburst gold-toned dial bearing three white gold hour-markers at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock, as well as small seconds at 6 0’clock.
A second version has a blue dial featuring a vertical satin-brushed finish that is a favourite with Laurent Ferrier and creates a velvety sheen that is particularly pleasing to the eye. This variation features 11 white gold hour-markers.
The finishes shared by the two models reflect the high standards Laurent Ferrier imposes on all its creations. All are performed in keeping with the finest watchmaking traditions. Alongside the Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges and the circular graining on the mainplate, the wheel spokes are bevelled, the screw hands are chamfered and polished, the interior angles are hand-crafted. The sapphire crystal case-back provides a fascinating glimpse of this fine workmanship and reveals an attractively balanced structure stemming from a clever combination of lines and curves.
