New: The Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Beige

March 28, 2013

Are you familiar with the sad beige aesthetic? In case you dont, sad beige is also known as sad beige mom, and its a visual aesthetic that revolves around the use of little to no color in one s household, appearance, and style. Sad beige is even plainer than vanilla. However, beige is also seen as classy due to its neutral character, which can be described as sophisticated and timeless. Beige evokes a sense of calmness, simplicity, and understated luxury. And thats the kind of beige feeling I get when I see the Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Beige.The way I see it, beige can be hit or miss. Beige polyester is awful, but beige cashmere is lovely. The dial Laurent Ferrier created for the Classic Origin Beige looks incredibly smooth, soft, and comforting, evoking a distinctly cashmere vibe. Yes, the watch debuts during Dubai Watch Week, and the dial color also has a connection to desert sand, but I prefer the softness of warm cashmere over tiny stones that can scratch a precious-metal watch like the Classic Origin Beige. The dial looks pleasing and soft, and its versatile shade makes it easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. As a bonus, wearing the beige dial will have you glow with maturity. But that s enough about the dial. What else does the watch have to offer?Laurent Ferrier introduces the Classic Origin Beige in a 40mm red gold caseThe Classic Origin first appeared five years ago to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Laurent Ferrier. Today s Classic Origin Beige celebrates the brand s 15th birthday in a most understated way. The pebble-like, round 40mm case shines warm in 5N red gold. The tone of the precious metal makes the dial look even more comfy.The brown railway track, central cross, and hour-marker transfers ensure the dial doesnt look too plain. And so does the minute track punctuated with red numerals, mirroring the accents on the sub-seconds register at 6 oclock. The 18K gold Assegai (African spear) hands are both elegant and characteristic of the brand.The crown on Laurent Ferriers workWe need to mention the crown on this Classic Origin. Its a ball-shaped beauty that begs to be touched and turned. And when you do, it brings joy and fulfillment. You will have to, regardless, because the watch is outfitted with the hand-wound caliber LF116.01.Not only is the crown a joy to look at, but its also lovely to handle because, when you do, you feel how wonderful the movement is. It feels smooth and subtle, making just the right sound. Credit goes to the signature long-blade ratchet pawl. Its entirely polished and chamfered by hand, and maybe more importantly, it delivers a unique tactile sensation when winding; its a crisp clicking sound that soothes a watch fans soul. Because of this, I suppose that every Laurent Ferrier with an LF116.01 inside is always fully wound, meaning it is ready for more than 80 hours of telling time.Mystery machineThe LF116.01 caliber doesnt look too shabby either. Through the watchs rear sapphire display, you will enjoy a view of the movement, featuring a linear design and perfect anglage. Its design is slightly minimalist due to the ?-closed design, but it also adds a bit of mystery to this handmade machine.The bridges, coated in black rhodium, feature a sandblasted texture. In contrast to this, the mirror-polished screws shine like tiny points of light. The finishing as a whole - including the manually executed interior angle on the escapement bridge - reveals artisanal mastery. Each component is finished by hand within the Laurent Ferrier workshop.The Classic Origin Beige comes fitted with a mocha nubuck strap lined with Alcantara, not cashmere. Its 5N red gold pin buckle complements the case, maintaining an elegant and straightforward aesthetic.The new Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Beige costs CHF 43,000 (excluding taxes). It s a luxurious price, yes, but if it gives you cashmere vibes, that s only appropriate. Let us know what you think of the watch in the comments below.Watch specifications Brand Laurent Ferrier Model Classic Origin Beige Reference LCF036.R5.BR5Dial Beige opaline with 18K red gold applied indexes, brown railway track, red minute numerals, and sub-seconds register with azurage and red markingsCase Material 18K red gold (5N)Case Dimensions 40mm (diameter) 10.7mm (thickness)Crystal SapphireCase Back 18K red gold and sapphire crystal Movement LF116.01: manual winding, 21,600vph (3Hz) frequency, 80-hour power reserve, 150 components, 21 jewels, 31.6mm diameter, 4.35mm thicknessWater Resistance 30 metersStrap Hand-sewn mocha nubuck with tone-on-tone Alcantara lining and 18K red gold pin buckleFunctions Time only (hours, minutes, small seconds)Price CHF 43,000 (ex. taxes)