As the son and grandson of watchmakers, Laurent Ferrier was destined for the world of horology, spending more than 30 years at Patek Philippe and rising through its ranks to become technical director. However, it would be a divergence into the high-octane world of motor racing that would lay the foundation for his eponymous watch brand. A seven-time competitor at the Le Mans 24 Hours, it was at the legendary race where Ferrier would meet fellow racing driver – and future business partner – François Servanin. Their combined passion for watches would lead them to set up their own brand dedicated to timepieces that offer sophistication from the inside out, and in the decade since, Laurent Ferrier has become renowned for its innovation and timeless design.

It is celebrating its 10th year in typically elegant style with the Classic Origin Opaline. Back in 2010, the Galet Classic won an award at the prestigious Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix (GPHG), equipped with a tourbillon and double balance spring. And while this timepiece, featuring the same handsome round case shape, is much simpler in conception, it offers the same commitment to high-end timekeeping.

At the heart of the watch is a new movement, the Calibre LF 116.01, equipped with a free-sprung balance and a Breguet overcoil, enhancing its precision and mitigating positional errors. When fully wound, the movement offers an impressive power reserve of 80 hours.

In a first for the brand, the watch is made from Grade 5 titanium, favoured for its robust, yet lightweight, properties. Here it lends a contemporary feel to the otherwise classic look of the timepiece, with a clean, uncluttered silvery-while opaline dial decorated with a slate-grey hour track and burgundy highlights across the numerals and small seconds display.

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