Sport Auto 79: Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

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After a demanding 24 hours covering 3988 km, Laurent Ferrier, François Servanin and François Trisconi crossed the finish line to take third place overall in the legendary Le Mans race. A real achievement for three amateur drivers. The friends received a trophy that day, as well as a gift: a watch. It was then that a bigger dream was born – that of creating a watchmaking company faithful to traditional values, passion and elegance. The very first foundational stone of the company that would be built many years later was laid on 10 June 1979 – LAURENT FERRIER Sport Auto 79.

With this new edition of the Sport Auto, LAURENT FERRIER far transcends the simple reiteration of a timepiece. To mark the brand’s 15th anniversary, this Sport Auto 79 pays tribute to a timeless moment, an understated victory etched into history. That moment was the podium at the 1979 Le Mans 24 Hours. That victory – third place in the overall rankings – forever sealed the fate of the two founders and set in motion the watchmaking odyssey we know today.

This new Sport Auto 79 perpetuates a seminal memory and captures the essence of a trophy that was as unseen as it was decisive. In the end, it is the embodiment of a turning point in life, a transition from one passion to another.

Exquisitely discreet

The cream-coloured dial, with its opaline finish that imparts a powdery texture, is the result of a galvanic treatment that gives the surface a rose-silver hue. It reflects the gentleness and humility of the brand’s founders – these two former racing drivers – with regard to the third place they achieved in ’79.

“We’re not world champions”, as Laurent himself often likes to say.

To contrast with this understated dial, the livery of this new version is entirely in 5N red gold – including the case and bracelet. Composed of multiple intertwined curves, this architecture embodies every detail of this legendary race engraved in memory. The nobility of this metal evokes the precious nature of the real reward won that day, the courage to undertake the adventure of a lifetime.

The indexes and hands in 5N red gold are enhanced with white Super-LumiNova®. At 6 o’clock, a snailed small-second dial is accented by powder grey markers. As with the entire LAURENT FERRIER collection, legibility is key. It is optimised here by the minute track, which is also defined in powder grey. The logo and central cross match. A gently sloping bevelled date aperture, highlighted by a fine coordinated transfer, is delicately positioned at 3 o’clock. As with all the models in the same collection, “Sport Auto” appears as a tone-on-tone transfer positioned between the central hands and the small seconds.

Streamlined elegance

Inspired by the aerodynamics of racing cars, the design of the Sport Auto 79 is characterised by a skilful interplay of rounded curves and sinuous lines. Its case in 5N red gold measures 41.5 mm in diameter and comes with an integrated bracelet in the same material. On a tonneau-shaped case middle with rounded contours, Laurent Ferrier has subtly superimposed a bezel with softened shapes, recalling the cushion-shaped silhouette of the Square model.

Each side of the case benefits from a specific finishing treatment. The bezel features a circular satin-brushed finish, highlighted by mirror-polished sides, in contrast to the case middle with its vertical satin-brushed finish. The three-link metal bracelet follows this logic of alternation, with vertically satin-brushed surfaces enhanced by sloping mirror-polished sides. Harmoniously integrated into the case middle, the generous curvature of the iconic ball-shaped screw-down crown makes it easy to grip in order to start the automatic movement. This device is guaranteed water resistant to a depth of 120 metres, for optimum everyday comfort.

The art of detail

This Sport Auto model in 5N red gold features the LF270.01 movement, an automatic calibre with a micro-rotor, which was designed, decorated and assembled in the Geneva workshops. This robust and precise motor, inspired by the micro-rotor with natural escapement, is exquisitely finished by hand and is equipped with a 950 platinum oscillating weight. This micro-rotor features a laser engraved decoration which discreetly reveals numerical nods to the 1979 race – visible only to the most discerning eye.

In keeping with LAURENT FERRIER’s reputation for impeccable finishes, the movement showcases a true masterpiece of mechanical craftsmanship, which fans will be delighted to admire through the sapphire crystal case back. The entire movement reverberates with energy thanks to the bridges featuring subtle horizontal ruthenium-treated satin-brushed finishes.

A great many finishing stages are carried out by hand in the heart of the LF finishing workshop. Among them, the decoration of the rotor bridge stands out for its remarkable precision: the bevelling of the corners, polishing with gentian wood and diamond paste, and the mirror-polished surface finish or “brouillage” (a scratch-brushing technique) on the main plate side. In all, it takes 2 to 3 hours to complete all the finishing stages on this component alone. This expertise is also showcased throughout the movement’s components, with their highly complex interior angles, black zinc-polished surfaces, and ruthenium satin-brushed or circular-grained finishes — all orchestrated in-house in the manufacture’s workshops.

The reward of bold vision

This timepiece is not just commemorating a race or a friendship. It evokes a prize, but it is not the one awarded on a podium, it is the one you award yourself when a desire takes shape, when a passion is sparked and finally comes to life.

The pure lines of the Sport Auto 79 echo a shared history of confidence, boldness and perseverance. And what if, in the end, we were not just celebrating the memory of a past achievement, but the reward for a personal accomplishment? An invitation to celebrate all those who are driven by their passion, to cross the line and make their dreams a reality…

LAURENT FERRIER Sport Auto 79 Technical Specifications

Ref. LCF040.R5.GR1C1 – 79,000 CHF

Movement: LF270.01

Self-winding movement
Diameter: 14’’’ (Ø 32.50 mm)
Thickness: 4.85 mm
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
Power reserve: 72 hours
215 components/31 jewels
Central hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
Date at 3 o’clock
Horizontal satin-brushed finish and ruthenium treatment on the bridges

Case:

18K/750 5N red gold
Dimensions: 41.5 mm (3-9 o’clock)
Thickness: 12.70 mm
Screw-on case back, middle and bezel
Sapphire case back, visible movement
Water-resistant to 120 metres
Domed sapphire crystals
Circular satin-brushed bezel, polished sides and vertical satin-brushed case middle
Special screws on the case back

Dial: