In 2019, just as the fine sports wristwatch with integrated bracelet began to emerge from the shadow of iconic 1970s designs, Laurent Ferrier demonstrated that it was possible to be entirely original with the Grand Sport Tourbillon. We revisit this achievement with the new Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition, which is amongst the tribute watches released in honour of the 70th anniversary of retailer Sincere Fine Watches in Singapore. In brief, the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition introduces a brand new dial but maintains the pebble-like form of the Grand Sport collection and the exquisitely finished calibre LF 619.01.
This movement is marked by the caseback-side tourbillon and its twin balance springs; while other brands do use a double balance spring and it has featured elsewhere, Laurent Ferrier is the only brand making this style of tourbillon wristwatch. Why are two balance springs superior to the usual single balance spring? It comes down to how the springs oscillate in opposite directions. Like any other spring, balance springs (otherwise known as hairsprings) deform while oscillating or “breathing,” albeit very minimally. The second hairspring solves the problem. The downside is how much extra complexity this adds, which is especially true with calibre LF 619.01, given that there is a tourbillon in play. Just one issue to consider is power consumption, what with all the moving parts of the tourbillon; Laurent Ferrier manages to deliver 80 hours of power reserve, despite the extra complexity.
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In the world of haute horlogerie, the Grand Sport Tourbillon is quite well known, especially since the Pursuit model won the Best Tourbillon watch prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) last year. Laurent Ferrier was also the first brand to go all-in with the fine sports elegance watch; the original Grand Sports Tourbillon boasts the most consummately finished tourbillon movement to ever grace a proper sports watch. Consequently, that 2019 model was the most exclusive of the new crop of fine sports wristwatches with integrated bracelets. The Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition maintains this distinction, limited as it is to 12 pieces.
We will reiterate the virtues of the movement and case of this Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition, but first there is the matter of the dial to discuss. Justifiably, this may have caught your attention immediately and it is even more impressive in the metal. While Laurent Ferrier does have other shades of green in its assortment, this dial is a first for the brand in many ways. Of course, you likely know that this is the only green dial of any sort in the Grand Sport collection, but this “petrol green” is a first for Laurent Ferrier and is “inspired by the waves of the South China Sea that borders Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia,” according to Sincere. These countries are where the retailer has had a strong presence throughout its history. On that note about waves, the pattern on the dial is created via traditional guilloche; it is also lacquered with a black gradient finish.
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Looking at the spec sheet for the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition confirms that it maintains all its virtues, including its 44mm diameter and 13.4mm height. The case is in 5N red gold, paired with a petrol-green Nubuck leather strap lined with Alcantara, which is another first for Laurent Ferrier. It is worth remembering that the Grand Sport case is water-resistant to 100 metres and that its signature onion crown does not detract from this. Instead, it signifies just how special the Grand Sport Tourbillon Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is, and the secret its translucent petrol green guilloche dial hides.
Those who know will no doubt ask the owner to show them the movement side – it is truly a treat to break out the loupe and see if one can spot all the 30 internal angles of just the tourbillon cage, to say nothing of the other 187 components of calibre LF 619.01. This level of finishing is beyond reproach and worthy of closer scrutiny. The fortunate owner of this watch will always have a conversation-starter on his wrist and would do well to keep a loupe handy when the inevitable requests come to admire the watch.
The entire series of 12 Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition watches are exclusive to Sincere Fine Watches.
The watch retails for SGD 328,000, including GST
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