Introducing Laurent Ferrier Unveils the Sport Auto 79 in Red Gold

To mark its 15th anniversary, Laurent Ferrier unveils a new red gold edition of its Sport Auto the Sport Auto 79. This timepiece pays tribute to a timeless moment: a quiet yet historic podium finish at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans. That third-place victory forever shaped the destiny of the brand’s two founders and set in motion the watchmaking odyssey we know today.

This elegant sports watch with an integrated bracelet was first introduced in 2022. Previously seen in a sportier version crafted entirely in titanium with a green dial, the model now returns in a more luxurious full-gold iteration.

Inspired by the aerodynamics of racing cars, the design of the Sport Auto 79 is defined by an elegant play of curves and fluid lines. Its 41.5 mm case in 5N red gold features a thickness of 12.7 mm and is paired with an integrated bracelet crafted from the same material. The tonneau-shaped case middle, with its rounded contours, is topped by a softened bezel evoking the cushion silhouette of the brand’s Square model.

Each side of the case receives a distinct finishing treatment. The bezel showcases a circular satin-brushed finish with mirror-polished edges, while the case middle is adorned with vertical satin brushing. The generously curved, signature ball-shaped screw-down crown offers both functionality and a unique visual identity. Water resistance is rated at 120 meters.

The cream-white dial is the result of a galvanic treatment that creates a warm rose-silver hue. The 5N red gold indexes and hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility. A snailed small seconds subdial is positioned at 6 o’clock, accented by powder grey markers. A matching powder grey minute track encircles the dial, while the Laurent Ferrier logo and cross at the center continue the tone-on-tone aesthetic. 

At 3 o’clock, a bevelled date aperture, framed by a finely printed transfer, integrates seamlessly into the design. As with other models in the Sport Auto line, the name appears subtly beneath the central hands and above the small seconds.

At the heart of this timepiece is the LF270.01 calibre – an automatic movement with a micro-rotor, designed, decorated, and assembled in Laurent Ferrier’s Geneva workshops. Hand-finished to the highest standards, the movement features a 950 platinum oscillating weight engraved with laser-etched numerals referencing the 1979 race. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement’s refined decoration and in-house craftsmanship are on full display. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it offers a 72-hour power reserve.

Completing the timepiece is a three-link bracelet in 5N red gold, with vertically satin-brushed surfaces complemented by sloping, mirror-polished edges. Perfectly integrated into the case middle, it enhances both comfort and aesthetics.

The Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79 is not a limited edition. It is priced at CHF 79,000, approximately AED 352,850.

For more information please visit Laurent Ferrier’s official website.