Orange is a difficult color to appease the senses due to the characteristic vibrancy of the color itself. It has the danger of hiding the details behind all of that dazzle. With Laurent Ferrier, the use of orange and blue has added in another layer of desirability along with blending well with this watch series. The École Annual Calendar with a combination of the summer hues of orange and blue bring this watchmaker to a new stage with a more youthful and daring twist to a classic design.

Ecole Annual Calendar Navy Orange timepiece

In essence, it is a more youthful version of the watch and one that endears well with us. Do note that the Laurent Ferrier Galet École Annual Calendar was first launched in Baselworld 2018, as a steel-only watch. Then in 2018, we saw a yellow gold and a white gold variation being added along with one in stainless steel. Finally, in 2019, a further 3 case iterations were launched in yellow gold or stainless steel with two dial options.

Ecole Annual Calendar Navy Orange timepiece

This new launch revisits this timepiece, albeit in a new language courtesy of the blue dial, coupled with a vibrant orange strap. Hence, horologically it is very much the same as the 2018 iteration. The main highlight is the two-zone blue dial contrasting vertical satin-brushed center and circular satin-brushed hour ring. Then you have the orange which complements the 18K white gold hands. As always, the time is shown with the LF hands in “Assegais” shape. A snailed small seconds dial placed at 6 o’clock gives character to the composition, while two beveled apertures, positioned at 12 o’clock, display the day and the month. Finally, the date is indicated by a hand coated in white accompanied by vintage-inspired numerals, on the edge of the dial.

Ecole Annual Calendar Navy Orange timepiece

There is also the matter of paying homage to the past with the École case being inspired by period pocket watches. The watch also gets a caliber 126.01 Swiss lever escapement and offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The power reserve indicator is positioned on the movement and visible on the case back. The sapphire crystal on the back of the École Annual Calendar Navy reveals the mechanism with utmost detail. There is also Côtes de Genève decoration and ruthenium plating. The “Série Atelier II” limited edition comprises only ten pieces and will be available exclusively online from their website.