Laurent Ferrier’s latest creation tells a story that predates the brand itself by three decades. The new Sport Auto 79 celebrates not just the company’s 15th anniversary, but a pivotal moment in founder Laurent Ferrier’s racing career that would ultimately inspire his horological journey.
In 1979, Ferrier stood on the third step of the podium at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, sharing the glory with teammates François Servanin and François Trisconi. This bronze medal moment, it turns out, planted the seeds for what would become one of Switzerland’s most respected independent watch brands.
Podium Dreams Inspire
The connection between that racing triumph and today’s luxury timepiece runs deeper than mere nostalgia. According to Laurent Ferrier, the watches awarded to the podium finishers that day sparked conversations between Ferrier and Servanin that would eventually lead to the brand’s founding in 2010.
Crafted entirely from 18k red gold, the Sport Auto 79 makes a bold statement while subtly nodding to its bronze medal inspiration. The warm rose gold hue provides luxury befitting Laurent Ferrier’s premium positioning while avoiding the yellow gold typically associated with first-place finishes. At 41.5mm in diameter and 12.7mm thick, it’s notably more compact than the brand’s Tourbillon Grand Sport models, making it accessible to a broader range of wrists.
The dial features a cream-colored opaline finish that complements the red gold case beautifully, creating a cohesive warm palette throughout. Applied hour markers and hands, also crafted from 18k red gold and filled with Super-LumiNova, ensure legibility while maintaining the watch’s luxurious aesthetic. A date window at 3 o’clock features the brand’s signature large bevel extending toward the dial’s center, adding visual depth and interest.
Racing Heritage
Beneath the elegant exterior lies Laurent Ferrier’s Caliber LF270.01, a sophisticated micro-rotor movement that exemplifies the brand’s technical prowess. Running at 28,800vph with a generous 72-hour power reserve, this 31-jewel movement consists of 215 meticulously finished components.
The solid 950 platinum micro-rotor sits beneath an intricately shaped bridge that serves as the movement’s visual centerpiece, while black zinc-polished plates and bridges provide dramatic contrast.
A particularly touching detail appears on the platinum oscillating weight’s center, where tiny engraving commemorates Ferrier’s Le Mans achievement. It’s these personal touches that separate Laurent Ferrier from more corporate luxury brands, creating genuine emotional connections between wearer and timepiece.
The integrated three-link bracelet maintains the Sport collection’s sporty-elegant character while showcasing exceptional finishing throughout. Both links and butterfly clasp match the case’s 18k red gold construction, creating seamless visual continuity. Sapphire crystals on both the bezel and caseback provide optimal visibility, while 120 meters of water resistance ensures practical daily wear capability.
At $85,000 USD, the Sport Auto 79 represents significant value within Laurent Ferrier’s lineup, costing less than half the price of tourbillon-equipped Grand Sport models while delivering solid gold construction and micro-rotor sophistication. For collectors seeking independent haute horlogerie with genuine personal history, few options offer such compelling combination of craftsmanship, heritage, and emotional resonance.
The Sport Auto 79 ultimately represents everything Laurent Ferrier does best: transforming personal passion into horological poetry, creating timepieces that honor both technical excellence and life’s defining moments.
