Grand Sport Tourbillon, Steel

The Grand Sport Tourbillon with blue dial is Laurent Ferrier’s first integrated sports watch made in just 12 examples, later configurations were produced bringing total production to around 60 pieces. Its steel case and bracelet are heavily influenced by Ferrier's years in motorsport. The tourbillon within its award winning calibre LF 619.01 features a double balance spring design, earning chronometer certification through independent validation by the Besançon observatory. Unlike many Royal Oaks or Nautilus today, the technically masterful Grand Sport Tourbillon is finished by hand, not ubiquitous, and remains completely in the domain of watchmaking cognoscente.

In 1979, Ferrier managed to place on the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Porsche 935 (just behind Paul Newman). The first Grand Sport Tourbillon released in 2019 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the race, with a smoked taupe dial and a sporting nature emphasized by the use of a rubber strap. The avant-garde 44mm steel case adds an edge of angularity to the pebble-like surfacing Laurent Ferrier is known for, but loses none of the elegance in the process; the goal was to recreate the sporting yet curvaceous emotion the 935 evoked. This is only visible in details like a domed sapphire, not flat. This even extends to the date window, which references the sloping hood and intake of the 935. 

Just one year later in 2020 this blue dial variant was released, also in a limited edition of 12 examples. It was the brand’s first integrated bracelet watch, the design philosophy of the case beautifully echoed in the contrasting satin-brushed outer and mirror polished inner sections of the links. It is an almost-vintage 3-link flavor with hidden double-deployant clasp, well matched to the 70s character of the cushion shaped case. Laurent Ferrier’s automotive inspiration is not just aesthetic, the somatic nature of sport driving has led him to place a high emphasis on feel. The silky wearing experience of the bracelet and the tactile clicks of the calibre’s long-blade-type ratchet pawl system during winding are two immediately noticeable indicators that the Tourbillon Grand Sport has been intentionally designed for the physical experience as well as the visual.

Its manual calibre LF 619.01 was first present in Laurent Ferrier’s Classic Tourbillon, winning the Men’s Watch prize at the 2010 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The calibres is technically brilliant, combining the gravity offsetting benefit of the tourbillon with the neutralization of lateral balance axis displacement of a double balance design.  It features 80 hours of power reserve and masterful finishing. The calibre has been updated for the Grand Sport with a dark ruthenium finish, unique and well suited to the watch’s sporty character. 

The Grand Sport Auto is a decidedly unique  design, not constrained by legacy or client demands. It feels very much like the dream of one man, seeking to justly pay tribute to his years in both motorsport and watchmaking equally. The calibre LF 619.01 demonstrates Laurent Ferrier's cutting-edge technical ability, but the distinct design speaks to Ferrier's willingness to push beyond established norms. The Grand Sport Tourbillon is for the collector who seeks unbridled imagination paired with technical mastery and a retro-motorsport edge

This Grand Sport Tourbillon presents in excellent overall condition. The case and bracelet are full with original geometry and only light surface wear. Some light scratches are visible on the bezel and on the crystal. The dial is immaculate, showing no signs of damage or wear. Its calibre LF 619.01 is running well within spec on our timing equipment. The watch comes with its full set.

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