A beautifully executed timepiece from one of the most significant watchmakers of our time, the Classic Origin Blue watch by Laurent Ferrier is defined by exemplary craftsmanship and horological sophistication. Utterly beguiling in its perfection, this model brings a superb new colour tone to the maker’s Origin collection which denoted M. Ferrier’s eponymous brand’s first decade in the landscape of independent watchmaking.  Appreciated by aesthetes around the globe, every Laurent Ferrier timepiece is characterised by an extraordinarily level of fine finishing and exclusivity.

Featuring nuances of nature-inspired styling, M. Ferrier was inspired to create the tactile form of the Classic Origin by the sensation of holding a water-smoothed riverbed pebble in the palm of this hand. Manufactured in a rounded case of polished Grade 5 titanium, the case of the watch is completely curvilinear and bereft of any flat edges or lines, save for the inner sides of the lugs which sweep around the case and taper off to rounded ends. Measuring 40mm across and 10.7mm tall, with its immaculate contours and smooth ergonomic form, the Classic Origin has a discreet yet alluring presence on the wrist.

Beneath the gently domed sapphire crystal the blue toned dial is stunning. Exhibiting a dégradé with light blue at the centre of the dial, and a deeper shade at the outer, the variation is highly effective yet subtle and is immediately immersive. Against this splendid backdrop, the indications are discreet and are evocative of the classic elegance of 1950s watch design.

The delicately crafted hour and minute hands are in the in-house Assegai spear style and are in 18ct white gold. Slender applied indices at the 12, 3 and 9 o’clock positions taper to fine points, while around the periphery, a narrow band of slate grey shading accentuates the  softly-toned blue hour numerals. Thin hour markers and cross-hair emphasise the classic influences and in a recessed subdial at the six, the small constant seconds are displayed with a thin hand against a ring of blue indices.

On the underside, a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback reveals the superb in-house Calibre LF 116.01 manual-winding movement. As with every other detail throughout the watch, the restrained execution of the frosted plates and bridges are deceptively understated. Mirror polished angles are painstakingly finished by hand, and curve inwards, outwards and around the edges, exposing the beating heart of the free sprung balance and escapement, and offering a glimpse of the gear wheels, and the long blade ratchet system which is visible in the cutaway above the barrel.

Beating at 21’600 vib/h, the movement derives an impressive eighty hours from the single barrel. A watch of distinction and uncompromising attention to detail, the Classic Origin Opaline is flawless in its styling and manufacture. It is presented on a blue nubuck leather strap with soft alcantara lining in blue, hand stitching and a titanium pin buckle.