Exploring New Horizons
‘Creativity’ and ‘performance’ are two words that have come to define the world of Laurent Ferrier and are manifest in his latest timepiece, the Classic Auto Horizon.
Creativity is often born of dreaming, a process of momentarily setting aside the constraints of practicality to fully unleash one’s imagination. Laurent Ferrier, a veteran of the watch industry, has always believed in the benefits of looking above and beyond. Indeed, he has often found inspiration among weightless clouds and cerulean skies. Recently, while staring at an endless horizon, he visualised a new timepiece featuring a dial dressed in becoming shades of blue: the Classic Auto Horizon.
In August 2024, the Maison unveiled the sixth Sèrie Atelier piece, the Classic Auto Sandstone, a watch with a copper-toned dial, limited to just 20 pieces. This model was warmly received by the press and watch collectors alike. Recently, at Watches & Wonders 2025, Laurent Ferrier unveiled the Classic Auto Horizon, a timepiece sharing some elements in common with said Sandstone model while at the same time evincing a different character courtesy of its nuanced blue dial complexion.
A case for classicism
Inspired by pocket watches of yesteryear, the case of the Classic Auto Horizon is pebble shaped. This smooth round housing was first employed by Laurent Ferrier in 2010 for its inaugural model, the Classic Tourbillon, a watch that went on to win the ‘Men’s Watch Prize’ at the GPHG later that year. Formed of stainless steel, the case measures 40 mm in diameter, imbuing the Classic Auto Horizon with an ageless appearance that promises enduring appeal, immune from the fickleness of fashion.
A dial, rich in detail
This latest timepiece from Laurent Ferrier is endowed with the company’s iconic Assegai spear hands, formed of white gold. These collaborate with gold drop-shaped indices, lucidly expressing meaning with a notable degree of style. Close examination of the dial’s epidermis reveals that it is adorned with a softly-spoken vertical satin brush, while the minute track fringing the display is imbued with a contrasting, circular satin-brushed finish.
A small seconds display resides in the lower portion of the dial. Meaning is expressed with a lone white gold hand that floats above a finely snailed surface. This in turn is framed with a track, incorporating blue markings set atop a circlet, comprising a series of incredibly fine concentric circles. In common with some of Laurent Ferrier’s other references, the centre of the dial is partitioned with blue cross hairs, dividing it into quadrants. The blue line running west to east splits in two as it nears the date, straddling an angled section of the dial, cleverly drawing the wearer’s gaze towards the date display.
But ultimately, all roads lead to the model’s nature-inspired dial hue. The base is treated with a silver galvanic coating before being suffused with a fine layer of blue lacquer, a hue that evokes thoughts of wispy skies and endless views. The execution of the dial masterfully plays with light and a myriad of blue shades come to the fore when the watch is viewed from various angles. Seemingly innocent, the dial sometimes reveals an alter ego, with mischievous hints of purple appearing when it’s time to play.
The calibre LF270.01 – a naturally aspirated engine
At the heart of the Classic Auto Horizon sits the calibre LF270.01, a high-performance movement conceived by Laurent Ferrier, a motor racing enthusiast who’s no stranger to the taste of Champagne. Back in 2022, the Maison unveiled the Sport Auto, a contemporary watch housed in Grade 5 titanium and presented on a matching bracelet. Inspired by Laurent’s race success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the watch is equipped with an automatic movement featuring a micro-rotor formed of 950 platinum. Incorporating a small seconds and date indication, the calibre LF270.01 is designed to be robust, yet beautiful. Moreover, it also offers a prodigious power-reserve in excess of 72 hours.
Consistent with the timeless appearance of the Classic Auto Horizon’s dial and case ensemble, the calibre LF270.01 has been endowed with traditional finishes. Indeed, the satin-brushed bridges and ruthenium finish found on the engine driving the Sport Auto are set aside in favour of rhodium-plated ‘Côtes de Genève’.
Most people dream, albeit creativity often diminishes with the onset of years. Laurent Ferrier has never lost his extraordinary capacity to find inspiration from the sky, the horizon or the natural world. He’s an individual who has experienced high speeds on the track, clipping apexes with aplomb, but he’s also a man with the capacity to imagine, reflect and create. It is this complement of skills and traits that has led to the creation of the Classic Auto Horizon, a new and permanent member of the company’s collection that’s destined for podium success.
