This is Laurent Ferrier unlike you're used to. This is the Hommage II, the result of a few years of collaborative development between Laurent Ferrier and Phillips. Both names sought to create something that didn't fall neatly into any other existing Laurent Ferrier line and they certainly succeed. The Hommage II is not made in the image of any other watch, but was meant to revisit the beauty of sporting 1940s step-cases interpreted by Laurent Ferrier's eye. The result has been widely acclaimed. The Hommage II was made in 16 'powdered pink' dial examples and 16 of these black dials, entirely sold out to select Phillips crew by the time it was announced.
The case was meticulously considered, measuring 39.5mm on our calipers it blends an dramatically emphasized step with careful finishing. The tranche of the bezel is mirror finished as are the slightly-recessed lugs. This all provides contrast to the flat, brushed bezel itself and brushed case sides. Fitting the vintage character, its crown is oversized and unsigned.
The sector dial is surprisingly modern in font but obviously a nod to the scientific chronometers that were often found in step cases. These sector or scientific dials were made in the 1940s to more easily read chronometers. Of the two dials made for the Hommage II, it is only the black example which is luminous. Not one to miss a detail, Laurent Ferrier redesigned his logo in a mid-century attitude for just this watch.
On the reverse you'll find the 150-component manual Calibre LF 116.01. This is a very thin calibre equipped with a free-sprung balance, Breguet overcoil, and Laurent Ferrier's unique long-blade ratcheting system. This blade creates a remarkable tactility. Its gold-finished bridges feature micro-blasted frosting with hand beveled angles, instead of the traditional LF black rhodium.
The Hommage II is a loving nod to a different era of sporting time-only design, but much less derivative than its name might lead you to believe. There are many ways to go about referencing history, but Laurent Ferrier and Phillips fairly masterfully chose to reinterpret all the cues that gave life to the beautiful vintage step-cased Longines and Omegas we all adore rather than use them directly. It is a masterful bit of independent watchmaking: almost no one will recognize the Hommage II, but upon closer inspection we find this design to be nearly universally adored.
