Laurent Ferrier Galet Annual Calendar School Piece: A Master Class By A Master Watchmaker
Annual calendars are still enjoying increased popularity. As their calendar only need adjustment once a year, they come very close to the complexity of the perpetual calendar, yet require much less of an investment to obtain. For Laurent Ferrier, this was enough reason to dedicate his fifth unique caliber to this complication. During the design process, which was done completely in-house, two things were paramount: the user-friendliness of the watch, as well as obtaining a visual balance of the dial.
Due to its innovative movement, the user-friendliness is secured by allowing the owner to change the date both forth and back, simply by turning the crown forward or backward. This will also automatically update the month; while the day can be adjusted with the pusher on the left side of the case. Of course, this is only needed when the watch is being used for the first time or has stopped running due to infrequent use. When the Galet Annual Calendar School Piece continues to run to the course of a year, adjusting is not needed until the end of February. To help with this Laurent Ferrier gave this watch a generous power reserve of 80 hours.
In terms of design, the Galet Annual Calendar School Piece is a clear example of less is more. A 40mm case houses a simple, yet elegant, dial design gets depth and substance by clever use of different finishes. Two slender hands tell the time, while a seconds subdial gives the watch a touch of vintage flair. The day and month each have a window of their own, while the date provides a spark of color, occupying the outer ring of the dial, and indicated by a red hand.
Laurent Ferrier will offer the Galet Annual Calendar School Piece also in a version made from a “pale” 18K yellow gold. This exclusive type of gold is in between white gold and traditional yellow gold, giving it somewhat of a champagne color. Next, to this color, the watch is also available in 18K red gold, as well as in stainless steel. The gold versions are costing CHF 55.000,- while the steel Galet Annual Calendar School Piece is yours for CHF 50.000,-
