Galet Traveller, Enamel Sector Dial for Hodinkee, Titanium

In 2017, Laurent Ferrier made 15 examples of the Galet Traveller for Hodinkee. Amongst Hodinkee’s first-ever collaborations, the changes were not slight. This Traveller removed the date and subsidiary seconds, opting for a sector track created in white gold and set into blue enamel. 

The project brief for this watch was to create the ultimate contemporary travel watch, with nods to the Patek Philippe (where Laurent previously had a 37 year career as Technical Director) ref. 2597 and 2523. This philosophy led to a titanium case (the first Laurent Ferrier with one), but in a mirrored polished finish to appear almost white gold. The blue dial was a nod to the 2523, a ref. whose most valuable example has a blue enamel center. To focus the design and a degree of understatement, the date disc and aperture were both axed, along with subsidiary seconds. The calibre received a distinct finish as well to mark the occasion—the first time Laurent Ferrier had executed this ruthenium treatment. 

This refined accomplished its intended dual effect: to create the most beautiful contemporary travel watch and distilled Traveller in tandem. The basic tenets of the Traveller remain unaffected, a home time hours display at 9 to be read against a handset which can jump forewards or backwards with pushers integrated into the left-hand case side. 

The micro-rotor caliber LF230.02 is vertically brushed and then galvanically treated in ruthenium, to create this contemporary, stormy appearance. Its bones remain as perfect as ever. The movement uses a natural escapement, a concept AL Breguet theorized but did not have the machining tolerances to execute successfully in his day. It provides dual direct impulse to the balance and no lubrication on the impulse surfaces. Its micro-rotor bridge shape charmingly has been inspired by a flamingo standing on one leg in shape, here black polished. 

This, one of Laurent Ferrier’s first collaborations and Hodinkee’s, captures a certain type of magic via blind ambition. With a clear thesis and no restraints, the resulting watch has a type of coherence and charm that hasn’t been replicated since, ever within Laurent Ferrier’s exceptional catalogue since. This collaborative effort marks a high point for the idea of cross-polination, travel watches, and appreciate of vintage through a contemporary lens.  

This Galet Traveller for Hodinkee presents in excellentnt overall condition. Its case bears light signs of occasional wearing, with no major marks or significant scratches. The timing and advance functions are all operating perfectly. It comes with its original complete set, including loupe.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.