Starting in 2020, Laurent Ferrier has been producing a selection of highly limited Série Atelier models, which are destined for ardent collectors of the brand and delivered in a relatively short amount of time. Think of it like a Customer Appreciation collection. Just in time for Geneva Watch Days 2024, the sixth edition has just been announced: the Laurent Ferrier Série Atelier VI Classic Auto Sandstone watch, which brings together familiar design elements in a whole new way.
Those knowledgeable about Laurent Ferrier’s lineup will recognize that the brand already has the Classic collection and the Sport Auto range. Borrowing from these two models, the new Classic Auto combines the round pebble-shaped case from the Classic collection with the movement (and thus dial layout) of the Sport Auto collection.
The Série Atelier VI Classic Auto Sandstone watch features a 40mm polished stainless steel case, which is 11.94mm thick and water resistant to 30 meters. The pebble-like shape is thanks in part to the cambered bezel and domed sapphire crystal, while the ball-shaped crown and arching lugs further emphasize the curvy nature of the case. Simple, elegant, and well executed, if the case is giving you Patek vibes, that’s probably because Laurent Ferrier was the Technical Director there for almost four decades.
Inside the case and visible through the sapphire caseback is the in-house Caliber LF270.01 automatic movement that debuted in the then-new Sport Auto watch in 2022. It’s a lovely movement with an off-center micro-rotor with a 950 platinum oscillating mass positioned directly between the plate and the bridge for optimal stability and winding power. Unlike the Caliber LF270.01 found in the Sport Auto, the inner semi-circular portion of the oscillating mass in this Classic Auto is decorated with a feather motif, which according to the brand is a nod to the beak-shaped bridge above it. The perimeter is decorated with chevrons that illustrate the direction of winding. Each LF 270.01 movement demands 139 manual finishing operations and the intricate work, whether the circular-graining finishes, rhodium-plated Côtes de Genève decoration, anglage, polishing, and so on, shows beautifully. In terms of specs, Caliber LF270.01 beats 28,800 times per hour (4 Hz) and provides 72 hours of power reserve.
The result of opting for the Caliber LF270.01 automatic movement inside the Classic Auto watch is a dial with hour and minute hands at the center, a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The earthy and coppery tone (hence the name, Sandstone) of the lacquered dial is undoubtedly a hat tip to the so-called salmon dials found on many extraordinary vintage pieces. The running seconds subdial is finely snailed and framed by slate gray markers. Laurent Ferrier’s famous Assegai-shaped hands that sit above where the cross-hairs meet are made from 18k white gold, as are the super slim and long drop-shaped hour markers. Rather than a boring square date window, Laurent Ferrier used the same sloping inlet-shaped detail found on the Sport Auto watch here — and yes, I do wish the date wheel was color-matched to the rest of the dial.
Paired with a dark brown calf leather strap with a steel pin buckle, Laurent Ferrier will only make 20 examples of the Série Atelier VI Classic Auto Sandstone watch. The watch is priced at CHF 50,000 and is exclusively available on Laurent Ferrier’s website. The other five Série Atelier models sold out, and I have no doubt that this Sandstone beauty will too. For more information about the limited edition Laurent Ferrier Série Atelier VI Classic Auto Sandstone watch, please visit the brand’s website.
