While it might feel like some independent brands such as Laurent Ferrier and Greubel Forsey are part of the furniture, they’re still extremely young in comparison to some of the ancient names that still permeate the watch industry. Laurent Ferrier, despite being a collectors’ staple, is celebrating only their 15th anniversary in 2025. Though they are celebrating the occasion in exceptional fashion with the launch of the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79. It’s named after the year 1979, when the founders of Laurent Ferrier competed in Le Mans, coming in third.
The Sport Auto, launched in 2022, is arguably the seminal Laurent Ferrier release of the decade so far. It’s certainly the one that’s had the most impact on LF’s other launches as even collections like the Classic have adopted the ‘Auto’ where appropriate, a naming convention that first appeared with the Sport Auto.
It’s a 41.5mm diameter watch with a cushion shape design and integrated bracelet. For the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79 anniversary edition it’s been produced case, bezel, bracelet and all in 5N red gold, moving away from the sporty titanium of the original to double or even triple down on the luxury aspect of the design. It lives up to the phrase ‘sports-luxe’, a term used to describe 1970/80s integrated bracelet sports watches that are presented in gold and other precious materials, such as golden Royal Oaks.
For the dial, they’ve opted for a complementary cream tone produced with a silver-rose galvanic treatment with opaline finish. It has the signature Sport Auto display with teardrop hour markers, a central cross hair motif and a small seconds subdial and date window that are both recessed into the dial.
Beneath the dial is the LF270.01 and as the name Sport Auto 79 indicates, it’s automatic. The power reserve though isn’t 79-hours, which would have been thematic, it’s 72-hours, which is close enough. It’s priced at CHF 79,000 (approx. £71,450). With the combination of precious metals and refined late 20th century style, it’s one hell of a way to celebrate your 15th anniversary.
Price and Specs:
More detail at Laurent Ferrier.
Each to their own I guess.
So, here goes with my view.
I love the cushion shape bezel and the red gold finish (to the case), but IMO, gold (of any hue or colour) should never be used for a watch bracelet (particularly a chunky integrated bracelet), it has the opposite effect to that desired, it cheapens it rather than adds value. I do also love the dial layout and restrained colour. But the overall case shape spoils the elegance of the cushion shape bezel, the whole case should be cushion shape (but that wouldn’t really allow an integrated bracelet I hear you say, that is exactly why the bracelet is wrong. So, if you were to Photoshop the images to change the features as I would have them, you would have a very, very, stylish watch.
On a final point, (yes I know it’s an anniversary piece) and therefore will be expensive, the cost is just ludicrous.