Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 40
This timepiece honors the brand's deeply rooted connection with motor racing, specifically the historic Le Mans race where the founders forged a bond that would eventually birth the watchmaking house. Share
June 9, 1979, marks an indelible day in the chronicles of Laurent Ferrier. François Servanin and Laurent Ferrier, who would later co-found the watchmaking house, found themselves at the starting line of the 47th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s most grueling motorsport competition. Behind the wheel of a Porsche 935 Turbo, a car revered in racing lore, they accomplished the inconceivable—finishing third against a field of seasoned professionals. It was a feat so extraordinary that it sowed the seeds for the brand’s ethos: the pursuit of precision and excellence, whether it be on asphalt or within a watch movement.
The first thing to note about the Sport Auto 40 is its dial, a visual poem to their Porsche 935 Turbo No. 40. The color palette immediately strikes you—gradient viridian green meets fuchsia transfer, capturing the vivid hues of the 1979 racing car.
With an opaline finish and semi-glossy lacquer, the dial boasts white gold indexes accentuated by orange Super-LumiNova—a dramatic yet elegant spectacle for the eyes. And lest we forget the roots, a cleverly chamfered date aperture is positioned at 3 o’clock while a tone-on-tone “40” adorns the small seconds dial at 6 o’clock. The dial, in essence, encapsulates the vibrance, the flair, and the nostalgia of that significant day in 1979.
The watch’s body is as meticulously designed as its inner workings, drawing its inspiration from the aerodynamic elegance of racing automobiles. The case, 41.5 mm in diameter, is crafted from grade 5 titanium, offering robustness without compromising on luxury. It is paired with an integrated bracelet, also made of grade 5 titanium, embodying an epitome of sturdiness and opulence.
Differentiating the surfaces are finishes that range from circular satin-brushed to mirror-polished. The bezel contrasts with the vertical satin-brushed case middle, creating a visual experience that’s both tactile and mesmerizing. Even the iconic ball-shaped crown isn’t merely a functional piece; it is an aesthetic statement that seamlessly blends into the case middle.
Beneath this luxurious exterior ticks the LF270.01 calibre. This Swiss movement, replete with a calendar, marks Laurent Ferrier’s commitment to not only form but also function. The calibre employs Swiss pallet escapements and an off-center micro-rotor, not just as a hallmark of Swiss craftsmanship but also as a nod to the company’s inexorable standards.
To further ensure robustness, a unidirectional ball bearing has been incorporated. A micro-rotor with an oscillating weight of 950 platinum is positioned between the main plate and the rotor bridge, lending the watch an unparalleled power reserve of over 72 hours.
In adhering to the finest standards of Swiss watchmaking, each LF270.01 calibre undergoes over 139 manual finishing operations. From the rotor bridge to the internal angles, every component is hand-decorated. The ruthenium-treated bridges and satin-brushed finishes—all meticulously crafted by hand—imbue the timepiece with a dynamic aura.
