Fifteen years ago, Laurent Ferrier emerged from the quiet corners of Plan-les-Ouates, on the outskirts of Geneva, with a singular vision to create watches that speak through restraint rather than ostentation. To mark this anniversary, the independent Genevan manufacture unveils the Classic Origin Beige ref. LCF036.R5.BR5, a timepiece that distills everything the brand represents into 40 mm of thoughtfully executed horological purity. This marks the first time the Classic Origin appears in 5N red gold, paired with a beige opaline dial that radiates warmth without demanding attention—the kind of subtle sophistication that reveals itself over time rather than announcing itself at first glance.
The Poetry of Proportions
The Classic Origin case has always possessed an organic quality, its curves recalling a river stone shaped by patient water. Here, executed in 5N red gold at 10.70 mm thick, those curves take on an amber glow that complements the beige opaline dial with its brown railway track and red minute numerals.
Laurent Ferrier's signature Assegai hands in 18K red gold sweep across this warm canvas with purposeful grace, while the small seconds subdial at six o'clock features red accents that mirror the minute track numerals.
Four applied hour markers in 18K red gold anchor the composition. The signature ball-shaped crown—oversized, inviting—transforms the daily winding ritual from mere maintenance into tactile pleasure, exactly as Laurent Ferrier intended when he sketched this detail decades ago.
The Movement
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the manual-wound LF116.01 calibre delivers 80 hours of power reserve while beating at 21,600 vph. This 150-component movement features a screw balance paired with a Breguet-type overcoil hairspring for enhanced precision and reduced positional errors.
The real treasure for connoisseurs lies in the signature long-blade ratchet pawl, entirely polished and chamfered by hand, producing that distinctive click during winding—a sound that distinguishes haute horlogerie from mere timekeeping. Black rhodium-treated bridges with sandblasted finishes contrast beautifully against mirror-polished screws, while the manually executed interior angles demonstrate the patient craftsmanship executed entirely within Laurent Ferrier's atelier.
On the Wrist & Price
Completing the ensemble, a hand-sewn mocha nubuck strap with Alcantara lining and a 5N red gold pin buckle provides the perfect foundation for this 30-meter water-resistant dress watch. The Classic Origin Beige represents Laurent Ferrier at its most essential—no complications, no gimmicks, just impeccable finishing and timeless design executed at the highest level.
Sticker Price USD 49,500. For more info on Laurent Ferrier, click here.
