Laurent Ferrier introduces the Sport Auto 79, featuring a cream-coloured dial with an opaline finish.
With this new edition of the Sport Auto, Laurent Ferrier far transcends the simple reiteration of a timepiece. Created to mark the brand’s 15th anniversary, the Sport Auto 79 pays homage to a timeless moment, an understated victory etched into history. That moment was the podium at the 1979 Le Mans 24 Hours. Securing third place in the overall rankings – that triumph forever sealed the fate of the brand’s two founders and set in motion the watchmaking odyssey we know today.
Exquisitely Discreet
The cream-coloured dial, adorned with an opaline finish imparts a powdery texture achieved through a meticulous galvanic treatment, resulting in a delicate rose-silver hue on its surface. This reflects the gentleness and humility of the brand’s founders – these two former racing drivers – who won third place at the Le Mans in 1979.
To contrast against dial, the livery of this new version is rendered entirely in 5N red gold, extending seamlessly across the case and bracelet. Composed from a succession of intertwined curves, this design embodies every detail of this legendary race – an event forever etched in memory. The nobility of this metal serves as a symbolic tribute to the true reward won that day, the courage to undertake the adventure of a lifetime.
The 5N red gold indexes and hands are enhanced with white Super-LumiNova® for optimal legibility. At 6 o’clock, a snailed small-second dial is accented by powder grey markers for enhanced clarity. As with the entire Laurent Ferrier collection, legibility is key. It is optimised here by the minute track, which is also defined in powder grey. The brand’s logo and signature central cross also appear in matching tones, while a gently bevelled date aperture—framed by a fine, coordinated transfer, is delicately positioned at 3 o’clock. In keeping with the collection’s identity, the inscription “Sport Auto” appears as a discreet tone-on-tone transfer, subtly positioned between the central hands and the small seconds.
The Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79 is characterised by a masterful interplay of rounded curves and sinuous lines.
Streamlined Elegance
Inspired by the aerodynamics of racing cars, the design of the Sport Auto 79 is characterised by a masterful interplay of rounded curves and sinuous lines. Crafted in 5N red gold, its case measures 41.5 mm in diameter and is paired with an integrated bracelet in the same precious metal. Set atop a tonneau-shaped case middle with softly rounded edges, Laurent Ferrier has delicately overlaid a bezel with gently softened contours—evoking the cushion-like silhouette of the brand’s Square model.
Each element of the case is distinguished by a meticulous finishing treatment. The bezel features a circular satin-brushed finish, highlighted by mirror-polished sides, in contrast to the case middle with its vertical satin-brushed finish. The integrated three-link bracelet continues this elegant rhythm of finishes, combining vertically brushed surfaces with subtly sloped, mirror-polished edges. Seamlessly integrated into the case middle, the generous curvature of the signature ball-shaped screw-down crown enhances both ergonomics and visual harmony. Designed for ease of use, it offers a secure grip to engage the automatic movement within. The entire case construction ensures water resistance to a depth of 120 metres, providing both durability and comfort for everyday wear.
The LF270.01 movement is exquisitely finished by hand, featuring a laser engraved decoration which discreetly reveals numerical nods to the 1979 race – visible only to the most discerning eye.
The Art Of Detail
This 5N red gold edition of the Sport Auto is powered by the LF270.01 movement—an automatic calibre with a micro-rotor, designed, decorated, and assembled entirely within Laurent Ferrier’s Geneva workshops. Robust and highly precise, this exquisitely finished movement is inspired by the micro-rotor with natural escapement, and is equipped with a 950 platinum oscillating weight. The micro-rotor itself bears a laser-engraved decoration which discreetly reveals numerical nods to the 1979 race – visible only to the most discerning eye.
In keeping with the brand’s reputation for impeccable finishes, the movement showcases a true masterpiece of mechanical craftsmanship, admired through the sapphire crystal case back. The entire movement reverberates with energy thanks to the bridges featuring subtle horizontal ruthenium-treated satin-brushed finishes.
A significant number of the finishing stages are performed entirely by hand within Laurent Ferrier’s atelier. The rotor bridge, in particular, is a standout example of this artisanal dedication: its hand-bevelled corners, polished using gentian wood and diamond paste, and its mirror-polished “brouillage” surface on the main plate side reflect a level of craftsmanship rarely seen. Completing this component alone requires between two to three hours of meticulous work. The finishing expertise is echoed throughout the movement. From the sharply executed interior angles to the black-polished surfaces in zinc, and the array of ruthenium-treated satin-brushed and circular-grained finishes, each element reflects the highest standards of in-house artistry that define the Laurent Ferrier manufacture.
The pure lines of the Sport Auto 79 echo a shared history of confidence, boldness and perseverance.
Discover Laurent Ferrier timepieces at the Sincere Fine Watches boutique, #02-12A of Takashimaya S.C., and the SHH boutique at #B2M-202 of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.