Laurent Ferrier Celebrates A Defining Moment With The New Sport Auto 79

On June 10, 1979, three friends Laurent Ferrier, François Servanin, and François Trisconi crossed the finish line at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. They had just completed 3,988 kilometers over a grueling 24-hour stretch, earning third place overall. For three amateur drivers, it was a remarkable feat. That day, alongside their trophy, they received a gift: a watch. And with that, the seeds of a much greater dream were planted the founding of a watchmaking maison that would honor tradition, elegance and passion.

To mark the brand’s 15th anniversary, Laurent Ferrier now presents the Sport Auto 79 a timepiece that goes far beyond a commemorative edition. It pays tribute to that quiet but pivotal victory at Le Mans, a turning point that ultimately shaped the brand’s story. This watch is not just a celebration of the past it's a symbol of transition, of moving from one great passion to another.

A Tribute in Rose Gold

At first glance, the Sport Auto 79 radiates understated sophistication. Its cream-toned opaline dial, achieved through galvanic treatment, reveals a soft rose-silver hue—gentle and refined, much like the men behind the brand. As Laurent Ferrier himself humbly notes, “We’re not world champions.” But that humility only amplifies the significance of what they achieved.

In contrast to the muted dial, the case and integrated bracelet are crafted entirely from 5N red gold. The warm, noble tone of the metal recalls the value of the reward they truly earned: the courage to pursue a bold new path. The case design, full of flowing curves and sculpted lines, echoes the aerodynamics of classic racing cars and the spirit of that unforgettable race.

Form, Function, and Subtle Flourishes

The 41.5 mm case is built for visual harmony and tactile comfort, with a tonneau-shaped middle and a softly contoured bezel reminiscent of the brand’s Square model. Finishing details play a key role here satin-brushed surfaces are thoughtfully contrasted with mirror-polished edges, and the same pattern continues through the three-link bracelet.

Legibility is a cornerstone of Laurent Ferrier design. The powder-grey minute track, matching logo and crosshair motif, and white Super-LumiNova® accents on the 5N gold indices and hands ensure that elegance never comes at the cost of clarity. A bevelled date window sits neatly at 3 o’clock, while the snailed small seconds at 6 o’clock adds just the right amount of visual interest.

Inside: Precision and Passion

Beating at the heart of the Sport Auto 79 is the LF270.01—a self-winding calibre with a micro-rotor, developed entirely in-house. The oscillating weight is crafted in 950 platinum and features a discreet laser-engraved tribute to the 1979 Le Mans race visible only to those who take the time to look closely.

True to the brand’s commitment to fine watchmaking, the movement is hand-finished to the highest standards. The bridges feature a subtle ruthenium-treated horizontal satin-brush, while the rotor bridge undergoes meticulous work: from hand-beveling and polishing with gentian wood to mirror-finishing and even “brouillage,” a traditional brushing technique. Completing the picture are complex interior angles and black-polished surfaces—hallmarks of Laurent Ferrier’s quiet mastery.

A Personal Victory

The Sport Auto 79 isn’t just a tribute to a race or a friendship. It represents the kind of reward that isn't handed out, but earned the one you give yourself when a dream begins to take form. It’s about daring to pursue a new path, embracing risk, and letting passion lead the way.

This watch invites us to celebrate not just a moment from 1979, but the enduring spirit that followed. For everyone who has crossed their own finish line—whether in life, work, or art—this is a watch that resonates. A reminder that some trophies don’t sit on shelves, but on wrists.

Price: 79,000 CHF (Approx.)