Laurent Ferrier competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the Everest of the endurance racing world – an impressive seven times in the 1970s. In 1977 he won the two-litre category and in 1979, partnered with François Trisconi and his good friend and industrialist François Servanin, he placed third overall driving a Porsche 935 for the Kremer team. Fast-forward 30 years to 2009 and, having never lost their passion for mechanics, Ferrier and Servanin founded Laurent Ferrier. 

Ten years on and we’ve got the limited-edition Tourbillon Grand Sport, a 44mm stainless-steel sports watch that commemorates the 30th anniversary of that Le Mans podium and the tenth anniversary of both the company’s conception and the launch of its signature tourbillon. It’s a drastic aesthetic departure from the brand’s usual dressy and much more complicated pieces, but the Tourbillon Grand Sport still packs a serious punch – a peek through the exhibition case back into the heart of the beguiling movement is enough to confirm that. We really love the bold 1970s-style smoked taupe-coloured dial and orange hands and markers. Laurent Ferrier will produce just 12 Tourbillon Grand Sports, priced at 185,000 US dollars each. 

Photos: Laurent Ferrier