Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer’s Premium today (excludes Online Auctions and Watches). Learn More
Property of the Original Owner

849Σ

Ludovic Ballouard

Upside Down

A unique, attractive and innovative platinum jump hour wristwatch with blued meteorite dial, “upside down” numerals, certificate and presentation box

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 360,000
€22,700 - 40,900
$25,600 - 46,200
HK$762,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Ludovic Ballouard
Year
Circa 2023
Movement No
4/7
Case No
4/7
Model Name
Upside Down
Material
Platinum
Calibre
Manual, cal. B01, 51 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
Platinum Ludovic Ballouard pin buckle
Dimensions
41mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Ludovic Ballouard certificate stamped Monards Australia, dated 6 December 2023, travel pouch, cloth, dust bag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
A master watchmaker having worked with and for some of the greatest watchmakers of our time, such as François-Paul Journe, Ludovic Ballouard who started creating watches under his own name in 2009 has the rare talent of making the complex look simplistic.

The Upside Down is an entertaining alternative to the classical way of reading time. As its name implies all, but one, numerals on the dial are upside down. The 12 numerals are classically displayed on the dial but are placed on twelve rotating discs. When the central minute hand precisely reaches the 12 o'clock position, the past hour number instantaneously turns 180 degrees upside down. Simultaneously the new hour turns right side up. This disc also reveals a white dot beneath, only when turned right side up, as to make it easier for the wearer to quickly find the correct hour. The rotation of these two tiny hour disks is faster than the eye can follow, and by using Maltese crosses to control the rotation mechanisms, time-keeping precision is not affected.

Small yet important details on this platinum cased Upside Down show Ludovic Ballouard’s dedication to perfection and craftsmanship, such as the hand engraved initials on the platinum crown and side of buckle, the inscriptions on the case back have also been hand engraved. The dial is made of meteorite in a stunning blue that reflects its natural textures under various lighting, giving the watch a theatrical and sophisticated appearance. In addition to the mesmerizing blue meteorite dial, this unique example also features a limited edition blue movement, numbered 4 of only 7 made, making this Upside Down the only one known with a blue meteorite dial and blue movement. It was specially ordered by the original owner and is further kept in virtually unworn condition with its full set of accessories.

Ludovic Ballouard

Browse Maker