268Σ
Philippe Dufour
Simplicity
An extremely rare and fine white gold wristwatch with original certificate and presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF150,000 - 300,000€141,000 - 281,000$156,000 - 312,000
CHF325,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Philippe Dufour
- Year
- 2002
- Movement No
- 23
- Model Name
- Simplicity
- Material
- 18K white gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 11'", 21 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Alligator Philippe Dufour strap
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 37mm Diameter
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Philippe Dufour inner and outer box, International Guarantee and Certificate of Origin.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
No other watchmaker than Philippe Dufour exemplifies what we have collectively come to imagine as the typical Swiss watchmaker: a pipe smoking solitary figure working in a small workshop in the Swiss mountains making watches by hand.
Philippe Dufour is all of the above and much more. An extremely talented and passionate watchmaker he is an ardent defender of traditional watchmaking that he considers a dying art. A true living legend, his watches are considered masterpieces that collectors jealously treasure, making them extremely difficult to obtain. That is why we are incredibly thrilled that one of his timepieces is featured in our Independents' Atelier section.
An independent watchmaker since the late 1970s, Dufour restored antique and vintage timepieces which led him ten years later to develop a very small series of pocket and wrist grand sonnerie watches, followed by the Duality, the world’s first wristwatch incorporating a double escapement.
After having proven his undeniable talent and expertise in creating ultra-complicated mechanisms, he set out in 2000 on the challenging task of creating a simple three hand watch, aptly named Simplicity, with a movement architecture designed specially by the Master himself, to demonstrate hand finish and decoration that modern horology had not yet witnessed.
The gentle flow of the bridges’ curves, the bold and alluring inward and outward angles, the hand applied Geneva waves and red rubies provide a seductive visual harmony. Needless to say that the decoration and assembly are done by hand explaining the fact that less than a dozen Simplicities per year left Dufour’s workshops in the Vallée du Joux. The present watch bearing movement number 23 is one of the earlier models the master produced.
The classically sized 37mm case is both stealth and complex in its forms, the hand guilloché dial adding a dash of restrained flamboyance to the watches overall appearance.
Having a backlog of orders and not taking any new ones, the present Simplicity, in almost unworn condition and complete with box and Certificate, offers a rare opportunity for a collector to obtain one of the rarest, most important, and most sought after timepieces created by a living legend.
Philippe Dufour is all of the above and much more. An extremely talented and passionate watchmaker he is an ardent defender of traditional watchmaking that he considers a dying art. A true living legend, his watches are considered masterpieces that collectors jealously treasure, making them extremely difficult to obtain. That is why we are incredibly thrilled that one of his timepieces is featured in our Independents' Atelier section.
An independent watchmaker since the late 1970s, Dufour restored antique and vintage timepieces which led him ten years later to develop a very small series of pocket and wrist grand sonnerie watches, followed by the Duality, the world’s first wristwatch incorporating a double escapement.
After having proven his undeniable talent and expertise in creating ultra-complicated mechanisms, he set out in 2000 on the challenging task of creating a simple three hand watch, aptly named Simplicity, with a movement architecture designed specially by the Master himself, to demonstrate hand finish and decoration that modern horology had not yet witnessed.
The gentle flow of the bridges’ curves, the bold and alluring inward and outward angles, the hand applied Geneva waves and red rubies provide a seductive visual harmony. Needless to say that the decoration and assembly are done by hand explaining the fact that less than a dozen Simplicities per year left Dufour’s workshops in the Vallée du Joux. The present watch bearing movement number 23 is one of the earlier models the master produced.
The classically sized 37mm case is both stealth and complex in its forms, the hand guilloché dial adding a dash of restrained flamboyance to the watches overall appearance.
Having a backlog of orders and not taking any new ones, the present Simplicity, in almost unworn condition and complete with box and Certificate, offers a rare opportunity for a collector to obtain one of the rarest, most important, and most sought after timepieces created by a living legend.
Literature
Philippe Dufour
Swiss | 1989Philippe Dufour is a modern master creating some of the most coveted timepieces available today. His watches feature clean, classic lines fitted with high-grade in-house movements and stunning finish and polish. His Simplicity model is near-perfect hand craftsmanship, produced entirely in a traditional manner without the use of modern industrial tools. Over a 12-year period he created approximately 200 examples often customized to the client's wishes. Today it is considered one of the finest mechanical time-only timepieces produced. Also highly sought-after is the Duality, a highly complicated masterpiece made in only 9 examples. Dufour worked for some of the top names in watch manufacturing including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet and Gerald Genta. In 1978, he opened his own workshop creating all his own parts. He is both the man and the brand, and by keeping his production numbers limited, Dufour maintains absolute control over quality and is therefore considered one of the most important independent watchmakers today.
Browse Maker