In the realm of haute horlogerie, where tradition meets innovation, Laurent Ferrier has once again demonstrated its mastery with the introduction of the Classic Moon. This timepiece, available in two distinct interpretations, embodies the brand’s commitment to classical elegance and technical sophistication. The Classic Moon, with its annual calendar and moon phase complication, is a testament to Laurent Ferrier’s ability to blend timeless design with cutting-edge watchmaking. As we delve into the intricacies of this new creation, we will explore its historical roots, the meticulous craftsmanship of its dial, the refined mechanics of its movement, and the ergonomic elegance of its case.
A Brief History of the Laurent Ferrier Classic Collection
The Laurent Ferrier Classic collection has always been a celebration of understated elegance and technical prowess. Since its debut in 2010, when it was awarded the Best Men’s Watch at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the Classic line has been a cornerstone of the brand’s identity. The collection is characterized by its pebble-smooth curves, ergonomic design, and commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques. The Classic Moon continues this legacy, introducing the brand’s first-ever moon phase complication, a feature that adds a poetic dimension to its already impressive repertoire. The new model is the 2024 GPHG winner in the Calendar and Astronomy Watch Prize category.
A Canvas of Light and Shadow
The dial of the Laurent Ferrier Classic Moon is a masterclass in subtlety and refinement. Available in two versions, silver and blue, each dial is a study in contrasts and textures. The silver dial, with its vertical satin finish, creates a delicate interplay of light, offering a sense of purity despite the complexity of its indications. The blue dial, on the other hand, presents a monochromatic palette with an opaline finish, giving it a contemporary edge.
Both versions feature slender Roman numerals and baton markers, encircled by a chemin de fer minute track in petrol blue. The date numerals, rendered in a classic font, are subtly integrated into the design, with the 31st day highlighted in cherry red or azure blue, depending on the version. At 12 o’clock, two bevelled windows display the day and month, adding a functional yet aesthetically pleasing element to the dial.
The pièce de résistance, however, is the moon phase display at 6 o’clock. Crafted from Aventurine glass by Murano artisans, the moon phase disc is a work of art. The moon and stars are hand-engraved, filled with Super-LumiNova to create a spectacular luminous effect. The luminescent is further engraved to build depth in the Moon relief. The disc is further adorned with a translucid petrol blue enamel applique, adding even more depth and sophistication to the display. This intricate detailing is a testament to Laurent Ferrier’s dedication to craftsmanship and artistry.
The Movement: Precision and Beauty
At the heart of the Classic Moon beats the manually wound Calibre LF126.02, a movement that exemplifies the brand’s commitment to haute horlogerie. This new calibre, an evolution of the LF126.01, features an annual calendar and a precision moon phase complication, both of which are firsts for Laurent Ferrier.
The annual calendar complication is a marvel of engineering, automatically adjusting for months with 30 and 31 days, requiring manual correction only once a year on March 1st. The moon phase display, adjusted via a discreet corrector at 8:30, is equally impressive, with its intricate Aventurine glass disc and Super-LumiNova detailing.
The movement itself is a visual feast, visible through the sapphire case back. The bridges are adorned with Rhodium-treated Côtes de Genève decoration, while the main plate features circular graining. Each edge and interior angle is bevelled and polished by hand, a hallmark of Laurent Ferrier‘s attention to detail. The long blade ratchet pawl, a signature of the brand’s hand-wound calibres, adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship to the movement.
With a power reserve of 80 hours and a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), the LF126.02 is not only beautiful but also highly functional. The addition of over 30 new components and the optimization of more than twenty existing ones demonstrate Laurent Ferrier‘s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
The Case: Ergonomic Elegance
The case of the Classic Moon is a study in ergonomic design and aesthetic harmony. Measuring 40 mm in diameter and 12.90 mm in height, the case is available in polished stainless steel or 18-carat red gold. The pebble-smooth curves, a signature of Laurent Ferrier, offer a comfortable and refined presence on the wrist.
The gently curved bezel and ball-shaped crown add to the watch’s ergonomic appeal, while the sapphire case back provides a glimpse into the intricate mechanics of the LF126.02 calibre. The case is water-resistant to 30 meters, a practical feature that complements its elegant design.
The lugs, delicately curved and seamlessly integrated into the case, ensure a smooth transition to the strap. The Classic Moon is paired with either a brown calf leather strap with Alcantara lining or a dark grey Nubuck strap, both hand-sewn and finished with a pin buckle in matching stainless steel or red gold.
Final notes
The Laurent Ferrier Classic Moon is a timepiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. With its intricate dial, refined movement, and ergonomic case, it is a testament to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. The introduction of the moon phase complication adds a poetic dimension to the Classic collection, making the Classic Moon a worthy addition to any connoisseur’s collection. In a world where complexity often overshadows elegance, Laurent Ferrier has once again proven that true beauty lies in the balance of form and function.
The watch fits superbly on the wrist. It is so unassuming for the uninitiated and it makes it a perfect wrist companion as a daily piece. The Classic Moon is a beauty to enjoy every time one reads the time, but the mastery stays behind the back crystal. It is a conversation starter for connoisseurs and a piece that could fit easily a one-piece collection.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Moon Technical Specifications
Reference: LCF039.R5.G3N or LCF039.AC.C1WC
Movement
- Manual winding Calibre LF126.02
- Swiss lever escapement and screw balance
- Indications: Central hours and minutes. Small seconds at 6 o’clock, power reserve zone indicator on the movement side.
- Annual calendar and moon phase:
- Central hand for the date
- Day and month indication
- Moon phase dial at 6 o’clock
- Clockwise and counter-clockwise correction for the calendar in the intermediate position
- Diameter: Ø 31.60 mm (14’’)
- Thickness: 6.30 mm
- Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Number of components: 266
- Number of jewels: 25
Dial
- Grey-blue opaline or vertical satin-finished silver
- Vintage-inspired date numbers in pastel blue or petrol blue transfer, and “31” in azure blue or cherry red
- Hour circle with Roman numerals and baton-shaped indices in white or anthracite grey transfer
- Small seconds at 6 o’clock, with outer circle in grey-blue opaline and powder grey or anthracite grey markers
- Bevelled windows for the days and months at 12 o’clock
Hands
- 18K/750 white gold 210 Pd
- Hour and minute: Assegai-shaped, painted white or treated with Ruthenium
- Second: baton type without counterweight, painted white or treated with Ruthenium
- Date: Assegai-shaped, painted in pastel blue or cherry red
Case
- Stainless steel or 18K/750 5N red gold
- Dimension: 40 mm in diameter
- Height: 12.90 mm
- Water-resistant to 30 metres
- Day corrector located at 10 o’clock
- Moon corrector located at 8:30
- “Ball” shaped crown in stainless steel or 18K/750 5N red gold
Strap
- Dark grey Nubuck or Brown Calf, hand-sewn, tone-on-tone Alcantara lining
- Pin buckle in stainless steel or 18K/750 5N red gold
