Laurent Ferrier 'Bridge One' - SIHH 2019

Laurent Ferrier is back with a brand new case, movement and aesthetic.

The legendary independent watchmaker has shown a new direction in his range of watches with the release of the Bridge One. As the name suggests, this watch is heavily inspired by a bridge, notably the “Passerelle de l’Ile” a very famous bridge in Geneva that Laurent could see from his bedroom window growing up. It also features an all-new in house movement, superlatively finished and adopting a Swiss lever escapement instead of the natural escapement usually found in Laurent Ferrier's watches.

It has been created initially only in stainless steel due to the industrial inspiration and is the first 'rectangular' watch to come out of the atelier. Even though it is 'industrially' inspired I think that the watch is supremely elegant and a very interesting direction for the company that is usually exceptionally understated, the long flowing angles found in this watch are quite loud, and for a rectangular dress watch it is quite large.

Pictured above: The white enamel dial version of the new Laurent Ferrier Bridge One - Image credit to Laurent Ferrier

There are currently 2 dial versions to choose from; one is white Grand Feu enamel with slate grey numerals and hands without a seconds subdial, and the second is a grained slate grey with an applied XII market at the 12 o'click position and a seconds sub-dial which adds more depth and texture to the dial.

For such similar watches I do love the variety that is offered just by changing small details, the enamel version with the enamelled numerals and smoked crystal really has more of a vintage look to it while the slate grey dial is definitely closer to the Laurent Ferrier style that we all know and love, the subdial itself is very distinct and I think it helps to transition the piece into looking much more modern.

Pictured above: The slate grey dial version of the new Laurent Ferrier Bridge One - Image credit to Laurent Ferrier

It's all in the details

As we've come to expect from Laurent Ferrier, there is definitely more to this watch than first meets the eye, such as the 'spherical' sapphire crystal, which is said to have been cut 'as if it was extracted from a dig crystal ball', quite a sentence I know - definitely looking forward to seeing this one in the metal! Other details include the slightly flared lugs, smoked crystal, traditional ball-shaped winding-crown and the beautiful "assegai-shaped" hour and minuted hands.

Specification:

In Summary:

The Laurent Ferrier Bridge One Enamel on wrist. Image credit to Laurent Ferrier

My first impression is definitely positive, I think there is a lack of well executed rectangular watches with specially built movements so it will be quite a unique offering if you are after something like this. However, the price is quite high for a steel watch so I do wonder how collectors will react. My only concern is the size really, as I mentioned before it is quite big for a rectangular watch and especially if you consider the thickness. Going for a size like this pretty much eliminates women from being able to wear it and also means it won't look great with a suit, compared to a classic rectangular dress watch such as a Cartier tank.

Overall from a design perspective, it's pretty incredible and definitely a great start to hopefully a very successful range that will continue to be improved and refined over the years, I also hope that this is an indication of a change in trends and the start of more rectangular watches being developed. Make sure to give me your thoughts on this watch below and also let me know what you think of rectangular watches!

If you would like to learn more about this watch be sure to check out the Laurent Ferrier website here.