Laurent Ferrier Classic Traveller Globe Night Blue

The Laurent Ferrier Classic Traveller Globe Night Blue, LCF012.G1.NGE10, is a refreshed interpretation of a signature model. Released in celebration of the brand's 15th anniversary, it highlights Laurent Ferrier's expertise in both technical watchmaking and artistic dial work.

The story of Laurent Ferrier, the brand, is intrinsically linked to the man himself. Before establishing his own marque, Laurent Ferrier honed his skills for nearly four decades at Patek Philippe, one of the most prestigious names in the watch industry. This deep-rooted experience in traditional high horology shines through in every timepiece that bears his name. In 2010, he decided to embark on his own venture, driven by a desire to create watches that embodied his personal vision of watchmaking excellence: clean lines, exceptional finishing, and a respect for traditional craftsmanship.



The Classic Traveller Globe Night Blue perfectly embodies this philosophy. What immediately captures the eye is the dial. This isn't just a functional element; it's a miniature work of art. The dial presents a stunning 18k 210 Pd white gold spherical center, a depiction of the world map. The continents are rendered in striking detail using a technique known as champlevé enamel. This ancient craft involves carving out cells in the metal base, which are then filled with layers of enamel and repeatedly fired at high temperatures to achieve a rich, glassy finish. The "Night Blue" aspect refers to the rich, Deep Blue enamel that represents the oceans, creating a captivating contrast with the landmasses. The process adds depth and dimension to the surface of the watch, making it stand out when light hits it. These small, glittering specks evoke the twinkling lights of cities as seen from space, a really cool touch of romanticism to the otherwise technical nature of the watch. A slate grey, circular satin-brushed hour ring frames the central globe, providing a subtle yet clear indication of the time, marked by understated drop-shaped indexes, also crafted from 18k white gold. The hands, known as Assegai-shaped due to their resemblance to the slender spears used by Southern African tribes, maintain the clean, refined aesthetic that is a hallmark of Laurent Ferrier designs.

Turning our attention to the functionality, the Classic Traveller Globe Night Blue is more than just a beautiful object. It's a practical tool for the globetrotter, as the name suggests. The dual-time zone complication is seamlessly integrated into the design. At 9 o'clock, you'll find a discreet aperture displaying the home time, a constant reminder of your base location, no matter where your travels take you. Meanwhile, the local time is indicated by the main hour and minute hands. Adjusting the local time is a breeze, thanks to the two pushers elegantly integrated into the left side of the case. Positioned at 8 and 10 o'clock, these pushers allow you to advance or retract the hour hand in one-hour increments, with the date automatically adjusting to keep everything synchronized.



The case itself is a testament to understated opulence. Crafted from 18k 210 Pd white gold, it measures 41mm in diameter, a size that strikes a balance between presence on the wrist and comfortable wearability. The case is 12.64mm thick. The smooth, rounded lines of the case, often referred to as a "pebble" shape, are another signature element of Laurent Ferrier's design language. This rounded form is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to the watch's comfortable fit. The case is water resistant up to 30 meters, or 3 ATM. While not intended for deep-sea diving, this level of water resistance provides peace of mind against accidental splashes or exposure to rain.

Beneath the captivating dial and within the refined case lies the heart of the watch: the Calibre LF230.02. This is a self-winding movement, meaning it is powered by the natural motion of the wearer's wrist. A standout feature of this movement is the off-centered micro-rotor, crafted from solid 18k gold. This small, yet weighty rotor efficiently winds the mainspring, providing the watch with its power. The rotor is unidirectional, meaning it winds the watch as it rotates in one direction. It's also equipped with a "silent block" shock-absorbing system, which protects the delicate mechanism from sudden impacts.



The LF230.02 is notable for its use of a natural escapement with a double direct-impulse directly on the balance. This is a relatively rare and complex type of escapement, prized for its efficiency. The escapement is the heart of a mechanical watch, regulating the release of energy from the mainspring to drive the hands. In a natural escapement, the balance wheel receives two impulses for each oscillation, which contributes to greater accuracy and stability. The use of silicon for the pallet-lever, which has self-lubricating properties, and a phosphorous nickel alloy for the escape-wheels (produced using LIGA technology, a high-precision micro-manufacturing technique) further enhances the movement's performance and longevity. The movement has 44 jewels and 288 components.

The movement, with its 288 components and 44 jewels, operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). This is a fairly standard frequency for a modern mechanical watch, striking a good balance between accuracy and power reserve. Speaking of power reserve, the LF230.02 boasts an impressive 72 hours of autonomy when fully wound. This means you can take the watch off on a Friday evening and it will still be ticking accurately on Monday morning, without needing to be wound.



Finishing touches on the Classic Traveller Globe Night Blue include a deep grey Nubuck leather strap. Nubuck is known for its soft, velvety texture, similar to suede, but more durable. The strap is lined with Alcantara, a synthetic microfiber material that is also known for its softness and durability. The strap is secured with a pin buckle, also made from 18k 210 Pd white gold, ensuring a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout.

The Laurent Ferrier Classic Traveller Globe Night Blue isn't a watch that shouts for attention. Instead, it whispers of understated excellence, from the meticulously crafted dial to the sophisticated movement within. It's a watch that rewards close inspection, revealing its intricate details and refined craftsmanship to those who take the time to appreciate it. It's a watch designed for the modern connoisseur, someone who values both technical sophistication and artistic beauty.



The Laurent Ferrier Classic Traveller Globe Night Blue, with its exquisite craftsmanship and technical prowess, comes with a price tag of 90,000 CHF. Availability will likely be through authorized Laurent Ferrier retailers and boutiques, reflecting the brand's commitment to exclusivity and personalized service. This watch is not a mass-produced item; it's a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted horology, created for a discerning clientele who appreciate the artistry and skill that goes into making a truly exceptional timepiece. It's a piece that speaks of a deep appreciation for the art of watchmaking, a celebration of both tradition and innovation.

Case: 18k 210 Pd white gold. Diameter: 41 mm. Thickness: 12.64 mm. Water resistance: 30 m - 3 ATM. Correctors on the left side of the case, two push-buttons (+) and (-) respectively positioned at 10 and 8 o’clock.

Movement: Calibre LF230.02. Self-winding movement. Off-centred micro-rotor in 18k solid gold. Natural escapement with double direct-impulse. Silicon pallet-lever. 288 components, 44 jewels. Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz). Power reserve: 72 hours.

Dial: 18k 210 Pd white gold spherical centre with blue champlevé enamel. Slate grey circular satin-brushed hour ring. Indexes: Drop-shaped, 18k white gold 210Pd. Hour and minute hands: Assegai-shaped, 18k white gold 210Pd. Dual time-zone aperture at 3 o'clock (date), 9 o’clock (home time aperture).

Strap: Deep grey Nubuck leather, Alcantara lining. Pin buckle in 18k 210 Pd white gold.

Price: 90,000 CHF

Reference Number: LCF012.G1.NGE10

Notes: This is a re-edition to celebrate the 15 year anniversary of Laurent Ferrier. Features a hand-painted champlevé enamel dial.