Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon Watch Review

With the sheer number of haute horological creations on display at Watches & Wonders including the most complicated wristwatch in history from VC, it’s actually nice and refreshing to look at something more straightforward. But straightforward doesn’t mean boring. What we have here is the Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon.

After seeing previews of this watch before the event, this was the watch I most wanted to get hands on with. It’s a beauty plain and simple. Featuring a 40mm stainless steel case with a smooth, polished bezel and round design leading into equally refined lugs. The crown at 3 o’clock is a pleasure to use with its thin fluting and round onion style giving it a retro flair while remaining practical and nicely tactile.

The dial is sky blue, hence the name Classic Auto Horizon, and it’s a lovely shade. It’s produced using a thin layer of blue lacquer over a silver galvanic base and finished with vertical satin brushing. It has a cross hair pattern in the centre that leads down to the snailed small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and across to the recessed date window at 3. It also features the signature spear hands from the Classic collection and matching hour markers.

Interestingly, the appellation Auto has now become the official designation for this particular dial arrangement, named after its original use in the Sport Auto. It’s therefore also a name intrinsically linked to the movement as well, the calibre LF270.01. An automatic, self-winding movement with a platinum micro-rotor and 72-hour power reserve. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback where you can really admire the detailed finishing of the Geneva stripes and rhodium plating.

It’s presented on a goat leather strap with Alcantara lining that’s very comfortable. The taupe colour is an interesting choice because it feels quite dark in comparison to the steel case and blue dial. Though of course it’s lighter than a full blown brown or black. I do wonder what it would look like on a light grey strap, or even pale blue to match the display.

Sadly it’s not likely that I’ll ever own one because with a price of CHF 45,000 (approx. £39,350) it’s very exclusive. That also feels particularly expensive considering the case is steel. Yes the rotor is platinum so it’s not as if there’s no precious metals in the watch, but still. It does put a slight dampener on what would otherwise be a perfect watch.

More details at Laurent Ferrier.

​Oracle Time 

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