L.Leroy vs Czapek vs Ferrier

[Porsche993TT]

what's everyones thoughts on these, I am looking at all 3 brands and having trouble deciding

thanks for any opinions/advice

[ricky64]

I have an Oster edition (silver dial, blue hands and and markers) Czapek Antarticque. This watch on the blue rubber strap looks so good, and wears so well. The movement is a pleasure to view. I have handled the Faborgue de Cracovie. This is a spectacular watch with nice wrist presence and fit. I am a big fan of the Laurent Ferrier Traveler and the Galet micro rotor series. I do not care for the styling of the integrated bracelet sports watch. The recent straw colored Galet introduced at the recent Geneva show looked gorgeous in pics.
The starting prices of the LF are really high, and they have branded a sense of exclusivity with these prices. I do think the LF watches I have seen on the secondary market are sitting a long time, and their prices are really falling. I love cars and especially Porsches, but I find the microengraving of the rotors of some of the LF models with details of LF's driving experiences at LeMan rather shallow and absurd.

[Gebbeth]

I don't know much about L.Leroy, but from the pictures, they seem to be "classically" styled dress watches.

They are beautiful, but I'm a Czapek guy from a stylistic standpoint. They have a definite modern edge that I'm more fond of.

[unknown]

A Laurent Ferrier is by far the most interesting watch of these 3
BY FAR
Really can’t compare LF with the 2 others

[ricky64]

Originally Posted by unknown

A Laurent Ferrier is by far the most interesting watch of these 3
BY FAR
Really can’t compare LF with the 2 others

Which comparisons make the brands incomparable?

[MILGAUSS88]

Have seen a Laurent Ferrier movement in person, and wow. Cannot imagine anyone doing a better job in finishing. I think more people are appreciating this brand now as prices have been inching up.

Have seen Czapek, definitely not as impressed. But if you want a sport watch LF does not a have anything comparable to the Antarctique.

Leroy is a revived brand, and if they are trying to stay anonymous they are doing a good job.
I looked at photos of the marine Chronometer, very nice looking. Cannot imagine that the finish is better than the last 2, but you can get a solid gold case for less than a steel watch from the other 2.

[ricky64]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

Have seen a Laurent Ferrier movement in person, and wow. Cannot imagine anyone doing a better job in finishing. I think more people are appreciating this brand now as prices have been inching up.

Have seen Czapek, definitely not as impressed. But if you want a sport watch LF does not a have anything comparable to the Antarctique.

Leroy is a revived brand, and if they are trying to stay anonymous they are doing a good job.
I looked at photos of the marine Chronometer, very nice looking. Cannot imagine that the finish is better than the last 2, but you can get a solid gold case for less than a steel watch from the other 2.

Thanks! I can see this. I really find the shape of the Galet case beautiful, and think there is a unique elegance in the hands. Look forward to seeing one in person.

[MILGAUSS88]

If you like LF, I don't think you will be disappointed when you see it in person.
I think the only one close to the same quality of finish would be Lang & Heyne, but their design is way to traditional for my tastes.

It is the most expensive of the 3, so you will be paying more for it.

[gm58]

All 3 brands quite different actually in terms of their offerings but all 3 are relatively 'new' as Leroy was just relaunched while Czapek and LF dont have that much history either. Really depends on what you are looking for. Leroy seems to be focused on very traditional design while Czapek is adding more modern elements (LF seems to be more in the middle).

Pricing is also different with LF more expensive at retail than Czapek but if you look at the secondary market, you can probably get some real good deals on LF (a lesser extent with Czapek).

I think one of the most interesting parts of Czapek is how they try to connect with collectors and have options for customisation as well. Not sure if LF does piece uniques anymore but I believe they did before.

[Porsche993TT]

thanks so much for the input guys, I really like the Ferrier but they are 40mm, I prefer the 42-44mm pieces, how does the LF wear? like the Leroy alot, the rose gold mariner is really nice looking

[ricky64]

Originally Posted by Porsche993TT

thanks so much for the input guys, I really like the Ferrier but they are 40mm, I prefer the 42-44mm pieces, how does the LF wear? like the Leroy alot, the rose gold mariner is really nice looking

Really different styles here, re the LF and the Leroy. Leroy more in line with the Czapek Quai des Bergues. Is that the Czapek model you are comparing?
If these are the ones you are considering, would also be looking at some A Lange & Sohne, Lang and Heyne, Moritz Grossman (if you like slender hands). I think the ALS Grande Lange 1 might also be a contender.

[WatchTimes]

Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto for me without a second thought!
I just wish they made a No Date version!

It really comes down to which particular models you are looking at from each

[charger_vital]

Can’t go wrong with either the LF or the Czapek. It just depends on what you want and your budget.

Both wear nicely on my 7.5” wrist.





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[nickorette]

LF for me. Such beauty with the Galet Micro Rotor. Both in case and movement.

Sport Auto is great too, one of the best bracelets out there imo

[ap1]

I have to say, the sport auto did nothing for me. Maybe not “technically” as good as LF but czapek wins this 3 way from my point of view

[chrono1g]

Originally Posted by ap1

I have to say, the sport auto did nothing for me. Maybe not “technically” as good as LF but czapek wins this 3 way from my point of view

I agree with this take. Czapek makes the best daily sports watch. The micro-adjust on the bracelet is awesome too.

[magicman]

Originally Posted by chrono1g

I agree with this take. Czapek makes the best daily sports watch. The micro-adjust on the bracelet is awesome too.

I have to agree with this after wearing my Czapek Antarctique for 200+ days out of the past year. I also love switching out straps and now have 5 color rubber straps in addition to the bracelet, so they go with virtually everything.

[enjoythemusic]

Well said magicman, by Czapek having a bracelet AND a variety of straps greatly expands the possibilities and fun wearing. Hopefully H. Moser begins offering such variety for their Streamliner line.

[gm58]

Originally Posted by magicman

I have to agree with this after wearing my Czapek Antarctique for 200+ days out of the past year. I also love switching out straps and now have 5 color rubber straps in addition to the bracelet, so they go with virtually everything.

wow 5 rubber straps! definitely can be an addiction for sure, am already thinking about getting my 3rd

[chunkythebulldog]

Originally Posted by magicman

I also love switching out straps and now have 5 color rubber straps in addition to the bracelet, so they go with virtually everything.

Are these OEM straps or after market?

Anybody happen to know if there are any straps out there that fit the LF Sport Auto?

Thanks in advance

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by chunkythebulldog

Are these OEM straps or after market?

Anybody happen to know if there are any straps out there that fit the LF Sport Auto?

Thanks in advance

There are not… yet.

I keep getting told by LF that they will make a strap for the sport auto. I’ve also been advised that you can have a leather strap made for it but you also need to get the end link from LF… or 3D print one yourself.


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[gm58]

Originally Posted by chunkythebulldog

Are these OEM straps or after market?

Anybody happen to know if there are any straps out there that fit the LF Sport Auto?

Thanks in advance

For the Czapek it should be OEM straps, not sure if there are aftermarket options out there due to the proprietary quick release.

Havent heard of any other options that can fit on the LF sport auto other than the OEM bracelet which definitely reduces the versatility.

[ricky64]

Originally Posted by ap1

I have to say, the sport auto did nothing for me. Maybe not “technically” as good as LF but czapek wins this 3 way from my point of view

I love the LF Galet micro rotor, but the Sport Auto looks like a strange lovechild between a Vacheron Overseas, Moser Streamliner, and some 1950's kitchen appliances...

[Gebbeth]

The LF is beautifully finished and extremely well made. But at that price point, it better be. The Sports Auto is about 2x the cost of the Antarctique.

I think even Czapek would agree that they are not competing with LF on that type of watch from a market perspective.

Also, LF designs can be polarizing as well. The 70's style cushion case aesthetic of the Sports Auto is not for everyone, although I like it a lot.

And if I'm being honest with myself, I think they could do more with the dial than what they went for, but that's just me.

At nearly $50k+ USD, I also have many other options to choose from.

[chunkythebulldog]

And to answer OP's question I'm not a fan of those Leroy watches so my vote LF then Czapek