Introducing The Laurent Ferrier Bridge One

Laurent Ferrier is known amongst collectors of independent watches for a number of things – the natural escapement found in many of his movements, his mostly understated aesthetics, and, of course, the softly rounded Galet case shape. The watch you see here though has none of those things. The Bridge One is something totally new from Laurent Ferrier, with a dramatic stainless steel case inspired by the Passarelle de l'Ile bridge in Geneva (which Mr. Ferrier could see from his childhood bedroom) and a new shaped movement that makes use of a more traditional lever escapement. Now, I'm sure the new caliber is finished to an unbelievably high standard, just like the movements found in LF's other watches, and the dial and hands we see here (only one of two options) look beautiful, so this isn't a total break with the past, but it definitely does add something new and different to the collection. 

Now, if you think you've seen this shape before, you'd be half right. It's clear that the unique Arpal One that Laurent Ferrier and Urwerk created for Only Watch 2017 is in some ways the Bridge One's predecessor. The case dimensions are not the same between the two watches, however the general shape and design of the cases obviously come from the same place. 

Sometimes you can look at a list of specs and a few images and get a pretty good sense of a watch. Other times it doesn't matter how much explaining is done, you just can't quite wrap your head around a new release. This watch definitely falls into the latter camp. Because so much of what makes this watch special is the unique case architecture, the shape of the crystal, and the detailed finishes of the dials, it's basically impossible for me to provide any real, substantive analysis at this point. I want to get the Bridge One under a loupe and on my wrist ASAP though, as it could easily end up being one of the quirkier standouts of SIHH. Stay tuned for an update soon.

Brand: Laurent Ferrier
Model: Bridge One
Reference Number: LCF 032.AC.AG1,  LCF.032.AC.E01 

Dimensions: 30mm x 44mm
Thickness: 14.58mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: White grand feu enamel or grained slate grey
Indexes: Roman numerals and batons (enameled Roman numerals on enamel dial, applied Roman numerals on grained dial)
Lume: None
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Honey alligator leather or honey timberland leather strap with pin buckle or folding clasp

Caliber: LF107.01
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds (only utilized on some models)
Dimensions: 22.2mm x 30mm x 4.35mm
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Manually wound
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)
Jewels: 21
Total Components: 137
Additional Details: Note, this movement uses a Swiss lever escapement, not a natural escapement 

Price: $37,000 (grey dial); $42,000 (enamel dial)
Availability: February 2019

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