SpotlightThe Sands Of Time: The Laurent Ferrier Série Atelier VI Classic Auto Sandstone

Since 2020, the Swiss watchmaker Laurent Ferrier have offered collectors a series of limited-edition timepieces. Each year, these exclusive timepieces are eagerly anticipated by the community, which enjoys the brand’s signature design philosophy; a refined, understated aesthetic. This year, Laurent Ferrier have taken a bold, challenging approach by merging their stylish, iconic Classic collection with their robust Sports line. The result? The all-new Classic Auto Sandstone. Unveiled at Geneva Watch Days 2024, the Sandstone is powered by an automatic movement with a micro-rotor. The watch’s practical design works for both formal occasions and daily wear. The new Laurent Ferrier Série Atelier VI Classic Auto Sandstone makes a bold statement with its iconic round, pebble-shaped case, which is borrowed from the brand’s Classic collection. Housed in a 40mm stainless steel case is a lacquered dial in coppery shades that create some very interesting earthy hues.

A Warm, Radiant Glow: The Laurent Ferrier Série Atelier VI Classic Auto Sandstone

The Laurent Ferrier Série Atelier VI Classic Auto Sandstone cradles a rose-hued dial, which is a modern interpretation of watches with vintage-era aesthetics. And together with the case and strap, the watch collectively exudes warm, neutral brownish tones that remind of sand, soil, and scenic barren lands. In a nutshell, the Classic Auto watch features a 40mm steel case, offers up to 30m water resistance, and is secured to a dark brown calf leather strap with a tone-on-tone Alcantara lining, equipped with a steel pin buckle. Despite the clean, minimalist dial, the Classic Auto Sandstone stands out for certain details, like its intricate finishes. The dial’s centre features a vertically satin-brushed texture, in beige hues that range from warm to cool when they meet the light. In contrast, the railway track maintains a consistent circular satin-brushed finish.

True to the Classic collection’s design codes, the dial is completed by drop-shaped white gold indexes. It is further accentuated by a matching central cross that highlights the position of the spear-shaped Assegai hands in white gold. The brand’s attention to detail is visible through the small seconds counter, recessed at six o’clock, which is snailed and punctuated by slate grey markers and a baton hand. And lastly, one cannot miss the sloped date window, created with subtle lines that help the eye move naturally to spot the grey date display on a white disc. Continuing the tradition of its previous Série Atelier editions, this Classic Auto Sandstone watch is a limited run of just 20 numbered pieces.

Continuing The Legacy Of A Sporty Calibre

Initially housed in the Sports Auto, the LF270.01 calibre will now also drive the Classic Auto Sandstone. This automatic movement with a 950-platinum micro-rotor is the watchmaker’s second automatic calendar movement. When fully wound, the movement beating at a 4Hz frequency promises a 72-hour power reserve. To help wearers appreciate the beauty of this highly functional movement, the watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal caseback, revealing the tasteful finishes of the engine.

Driving the Classic Auto Sandstone, the LF270.01 is an automatic movement with a 950-platinum micro-rotor, producing a 72-hour power reserve

The Classic Auto Sandstone is fitted with a sapphire crystal caseback, revealing the tasteful finishes on the 4Hz LF270.01 automatic movement

The Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Sandstone has a strong personality that takes pride in its duality. It blends the rugged capabilities of a sports watch with the timeless appeal of the Classic collection, proving that Laurent Ferrier remain committed to creating visually and mechanically impressive timepieces.