Before talking about the watch, it would be a crime to not briefly explain about Mr.Laurent Ferrier himself. Laurent Ferrier is a Swiss watchmaker in Geneva in a family deeply rooted in watchmaking, with both his father and grandfather being watchmakers, it was natural for him to get in touch with the world of watchmaking from an early age. Graduating from École d’Horlogerie de Genève in 1968, he joined Patek Philippe where he spent 37 years of history together with the brand (except for his brief stint away for racing). During this time, he contributed to one the most iconic timepieces in recent history, the Patek Philippe Nautilus. No, he did not design the Nautilus and yes Mr.Gérald Genta designed the Nautilus as we all know. However Genta came up with the initial design of the Nautilus on a 2 dimensional drawing, and Laurent Ferrier and his team were the ones who brought the design alive into existence. Mr.Ferrier was not only a watchmaker, but a passionate motor racer as he even raced in the Le Mans with François Servanin, who later became his partner for his own brand; Laurent Ferrier.
In 2009, Ferrier and Servanin co-founded the brand Laurent Ferrier, with the debut model of Galet Classic Tourbillon Double Spiral, unveiling in 2010 Baselworld which won the Men’s Watch Prize at the GPHG. In 2010, Laurent Ferrier the Classic Origin in 2020 as the brand's 10th anniversary. This was their way to introduce a new in-house manual-winding 3 hand design movement Caliber LF116.01 which allowed for better accessibility to a wider range of collectors when comparing with the Tourbillon and the micro rotor he has produced previously. This was also the brand's first use of a Grade 5 titanium case on their watches. The result, well it’s pretty fascinating. The 40mm diameter Grade 5 Titanium case has a slightly darker color when compared to a white gold and stainless steel. Which gives that more sporty feel to the overall case. The Classic Origin case shape remains more or less unchanged with their other classic models; a clean, high polish, no hard edges, more sportier case shape than a traditional dress watch. Then, we have the dial. There is the gradient green dial which is considered more collectible, but I personally prefer this opaline white dial which gives extra depth in the white color with a touch of red accents on the sub seconds dial and the 24 hours scale numerals makes it even sportier. And the dial design: one of the most eye pleasingly symmetrical dial, the size of the sub seconds register is perfect with the surface area of the dial, as well as the spear indexes and ‘Assegai’ blends in perfectly with the dial. I am a massive fan of visual symmetry, hence I do not own a lot of watches with date windows (6 o’clock date window > 3 o’clock date window) as well as all the photos I take, I enjoy symmetrical photos; and this dial just hits all the right spots. Now combining the sporty yet classic designed Grade 5 titanium and this elegant dial, it is a watch I believe that stands in a category of its very own: a watch that is versatile enough to be worn casually as well as formally, while feeling visually sporty, yet the watchmaking being classic and traditional. I cannot seem to find a watch that can be compared with this Classic Origin.
Underneath the watch is their first manual wound caliber LF116.01. This caliber is finished in a matte/satin finish on the bridges, unlike other calibers from the brand which mostly features ‘côtes de Genève’ finish, and this satin finish alongside with the titanium case blends very seamlessly. This 80 hour power reserve movement has one distinctive feature which Mr.Ferrier got the initial inspiration from vintage pocket watches from the previous century; a rather long ratchet pawl. The long ratchet pawl is very much visible through the sapphire crystal and this gives that extra pleasure when winding the watch.
As much as I love almost every aspect of this Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin, there are 2 wishful thoughts lingering in my head after owning the watch. First, I do wish the case is 2-3mm smaller. I have a smaller wrist size of 15.5cm and although it fits my wrist well, I would be lying if I did not think of this on a 38mm case. The real unnecessary thought is the water resistance. Because the watch is so versatile, and can easily be dressed up or down, I would love to wear this for a swim or a bit more adventurous than wearing for a dinner out. I do think this Classic Origin can be a better sports watch than their actual sport watch, the Sport Auto. Wishful thoughts, but overall, owning a piece from a historical watchmaker like Mr.Laurent Ferrier, and more specifically this Classic Origin is as good as it gets in terms of versatility, uniqueness and king of understatement. It's for those who value OCD level harmonious proportions, meticulous finishing, and thoughtful details which will make this Classic Origin an attractive choice.
