Introducing The Hommage II From Laurent Ferrier x Phillips

Measuring 40mm wide with a steel case set with a flat brushed bezel, the Hommage II does a great job of capturing the essence and elegance of '40s sport watches. In total, only 32 examples were made, 16 in black and 16 in the combination silver and "powdered pink" dial layout. Both iterations have sector dials, a small seconds display at six, and a painted arabic hour scale. The black dial is somewhat more sporty with luminous hands while the pink dial is classically accented with blued steel hands. 

Being a Laurent Ferrier creation, the movement is not to be overlooked and the Hommage II packs an LF 116.01 hand-wound movement under each of these lovely dials. With 80 hours of power reserve and a rate of 3 Hz, the 116.01 offers a time-only layout and a lovely view through the Hommage II's display caseback. 

Several of the 32 pieces have already been sold to Phillips Watches clients but the remaining examples will be retailed via the Phillips Perpetual boutique for CHF 32,000. 

I mean, it's a casual but elegant everyday watch made in extremely short supply by one of the best independents in the business – what's not to like? Fitted to a very Fall-appropriate suede leather strap, neither of the Hommage II versions are parts-bins-specials, using a unique case, dial, and crown. Even the logo work has been completely customized for Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. 

The Hommage II is also an excellent case study in how to best approach the idea of vintage-inspired design. Rather than relying on design work that hinges upon faking the aesthetic of a now-vintage watch, the Hommage II seeks to recreate the format and feel of watches from this specific era. So it's less faux patina and more like design-based time travel. It's a new watch that manages to capture the charm of the original. You know, like an homage. 

Sure it's ludicrously limited, possibly already sold out, and plenty expensive, but we at HODINKEE have long been fans of Laurent Ferrier's work and the Hommage II is a great example of why the brand should be on your radar. 

Brand: Laurent Ferrier x Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo
Model: Hommage II

Diameter: 40mm
Case Material: Steel
Dial Color: Black or powdered pink
Indexes: Painted
Strap/Bracelet: Suede leather

Caliber: Laurent Ferrier Calibre LF 116.01

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Diameter: 31.6mm
Thickness: 4.35mm
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Manually wound
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Jewels: 21
Number Of Components: 150

Price: CHF 32,000
Availability: Via Phillips Perpetual boutique.
Limited Edition: 32 pieces (16 of each dial)