Tourbillon Double Spiral, Besançon Certified, White Gold

This is the ultimate expression of Laurent Ferrier as a watchmaker, a paired-back, discreet Tourbillon Double Spiral certified by the Besançon Observatory and cased specially at 39mm rather than the collection’s usual 41mm. These 39mm white gold cases are almost never seen. This is Mr. Ferrier's first flagship offering, a restrained grand feu enamel dial which belies a spectacular hidden tourbillon, calibre FBN 916.0. This tourbillon features two hairsprings, mounted exactly out of phase with each other to overcome positional errors. This is the pinnacle of time-only Laurent Ferrier.

After nearly four decades at Patek Philippe, Laurent Ferrier decided to leave his position to work together with his son, Christian (a watchmaker), to develop a new project. The Tourbillon Double Spiral was that very first Laurent Ferrier model ever. When asked why he chose the tourbillon, Laurent Ferrier answered, 'It is a complication which we mastered and we knew we could make something extremely fine and which would be functional. We didn’t want to create a conversation piece which would never work but a watch that would represent Genevan watchmaking at its best.'

True to his aim, the architecture of calibre FBN 916.01, with its immense depth, was inspired by mid-century observatory tourbillons from Patek Philippe, notably ref. 3699. The heart is a one-minute tourbillon which features a dual Straumann hairsprings, 180 degrees out of phase with each other. Additionally, 916.01 features the long-blade barrel click spring which creates a deep winding feel. Arguably, however, the most impressive feature of the movement is its finishing, which is unrivaled. The côtes de genève are far wider and flatter than normal, almost luminous. Its interior and outward angles are plentiful and perfectly resolved to sharp edges. Locating pins and screw heads are black polished in mirror countersinks. The entire tourbillon cage is black polished with fine anglage on the edges. The level of finishing skill on display here is deeply impressive.

The dial gives no hint of the weaponry beneath, grand feu enamel which can be fired up to 20 times in order to create this pristine white which will never tarnish. This process is repeated for the second layer, a petite seconds with a red track. The text ‘Tourbillon Double Spiral’ is lightly placed into the enamel in grey below the handstack, almost invisible at a glance.

The white gold case is a particularly interesting part of this example. Just a few early examples of the Galet Classic Tourbillon were made at 39mm, largely for clients in Japan. The normal production is 41mm, which is a small but noticeable difference. Additionally, this example is one of the few where the client ordered Besançon Observatory testing as an option and a certificate of its timing during these trials is included.

The Tourbillon Double Spiral was Laurent Ferrier's start, which matters. Mr. Ferrier has been quoted saying that he wants his watches to bear, 'simplicity, precision, and pure, uncluttered beauty.' That aim was realized from the very start in this Tourbillon, a technically proficient, masterfully finished, and yet extremely reserved execution. It is as discreet, charming, and refined as the man who devised it. And perhaps that is the Tourbillon Double Spiral’s greatest feat: it bears the personality and intellect of Mr. Ferrier in full. 

This Tourbillon Double Spiral presents in excellent overall condition. The case bears only superficial signs of sparing wear. Its dial is perfect, the calibre running well in specification, serviced last year. It comes with its original full set, strap, pin buckle, and Besançon Certificate.

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