Square Micro-Rotor, Ice Blue, Steel

The Square Micro-Rotor Ice Blue blends Laurent Ferrier’s sporty, 70’s inspired case with its innovative escapement and a striking dial hue. The Square range was a shock at its release in 2015, while the design maintained a similar balance between masculine lines in the lugs and softer feminine ones in the case main, the bold square shape was a massive deviation from the pebble shaped Galet. It offers a significantly more sporty aesthetic, fittingly the first of the brand’s cases to enter standard production in steel. Powered by an exquisitely finished FBN229.01 calibre with micro-rotor and natural escapement, it is ambitious in concept and flawless in execution. 

As with all Laurent Ferrier, the dial is an exercise in restraint and poise. Hours and minutes are displayed with white gold spear shaped Assegai hands that align sharply with thin pointed markers, the marker at 6 is omitted to create space for the small seconds subregister. The Square has ample dial space, here filled with a striking icy blue tone. The bold dial, a clear blue with aqua undertones pairs well with the neutral and cool tone of the 41mm steel case. While uniform in color, contrast is present between the subtle sunburst dial texture and the radial grooves of the small seconds register. 

Flipping the watch over reveals Laurent Ferrier’s finishing prowess on full display. The Calibre FBN229.01 features thick and flat Geneva striping, black polished screws and bridges, and numerous expertly hand finished interior corners. It utilizes a natural escapement and gold micro-rotor producing an impressive 3 days of power reserve. Exceptional attention to detail in all facets, both architecture and finish, is immediately apparent. 

Laurent Ferrier’s connection to automotive racing appears subtly in all his watches, though not in complication or overt design. They maintain the smooth and balanced masculine and feminine lines Ferrier found most appealing in automotive design. The Square’s sporty nature feels to be most connected to the man’s racing spirit, a 1970’s motorsport watch in style though unique in its level of refinement. It is executed in the manner consistent with Laurent Ferrier, himself a true racing driver who focused on brilliance in the fundamentals. Its combination of nostalgic aesthetics, meticulously engineered calibre, and stunning display of traditional finishing techniques are a fitting representation of the man at the heart of the brand.

This Square Micro-Rotor presents in excellent condition. The case features only slight signs of light wear. Its calibre 229.01 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. The dial is in immaculate condition showing no signs of patina or wear. The Ice-Blue dial was purchased from Laurent Ferrier and installed during a service. The set includes original papers denoting both dial configurations. One set of papers showing the original Blue dial specifies production in 2017, the second set denotes the dial swap to Ice Blue in 2019. The watch comes with its full set, including both sets of papers from Laurent Ferrier, as well as original Blue dial also in excellent condition.

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