Introducing The Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon (Now With An Extra Side Of Steel)

When it launched in May of last year, the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon took the well-regarded brand in a new direction. Equipped with a special execution of a movement from an award-winning watch, the original 12-piece run of the Grand Sport Tourbillon offered the sporty sleeper on a rubber strap. Today, the brand has announced another 12 pieces, this time on a matching steel bracelet and with a new dial color.

Still 44mm wide in steel, the Grand Sport Tourbillon is differentiated by the new steel three-link bracelet and a dark blue gradient dial. Those wanting a peek at the initial model with its brown gradient dial and taupe rubber strap (along with the story behind the watch) should check out Stephen's original post here. To my taste, both updates are big moves: The watch looks so correct on the bracelet, and the dark blue of the dial is a strong match for the punchy orange luminous treatment on the markers and hands. 

Like the first version, the bracelet-clad Grand Sport Tourbillon rocks the brand's LF 619.01, which is the same movement found in the Laurent Ferrier Classic Tourbillon (which won the "Best Men's Watch Award" at the GPHG in 2010). Manually wound and best enjoyed via the Grand Sport Tourbillon's display caseback, the LF 619.01 features a tourbillon and a double balance spring, along with a special dark ruthenium finish for this sporty application. The level of finishing is noteworthy, and the end result is the culmination of an incredible amount of handcraft and attention (seriously, take a look at the photo below). 

Priced from CHF 172,000 (~$178,000), the Grand Sport Tourbillon, like everything from Laurent Ferrier, is a special offering of a very high order. The exceedingly limited production, the high-performance movement, and the extremely detailed hand-finishing all combine to make the Grand Sport Tourbillon a watch worth carrying the Laurent Ferrier name, albeit in the sportiest expression we've seen yet. 

Brand: Laurent Ferrier
Model: Grand Sport Tourbillon
Reference Number: LCF041.2.AC.C1GO

Diameter: 44mm
Case Material: Steel
Dial Color: Black
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Orange Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Integrated steel bracelet with folding clasp

Caliber: LF 619.01
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, tourbillon
Diameter: 31.6mm
Thickness: 5.57mm
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 21,600 vph
Jewels: 23
Chronometer Certified: Yes, via the Besançon Observatory
Additional Details: Movement also features a double balance spring in conjunction with the tourbillon and a special ruthenium finishing. 

Price: CHF 172,000 (pre-VAT)
Limited Edition: 12 numbered pieces 

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