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Philippe Dufour
Simplicity 34
An early, highly coveted and extremely rare pink gold wristwatch with subsidiary seconds, certificate of origin, and presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF250,000 - 500,000€270,000 - 540,000$306,000 - 613,000
CHF431,800
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Philippe Dufour
- Year
- 2002
- Movement No
- N°41
- Model Name
- Simplicity 34
- Material
- 18k pink gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 11, 21 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k pink gold Philippe Dufour pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 34mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Philippe Dufour international Guarantee and certificate of origin dated March 2002, fitted presentation box and outer box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
There is an undeniable sense of reverence whenever a timepiece by the legendary Philippe Dufour graces the market. Dufour epitomizes the archetype of the Swiss watchmaker: a solitary artisan, pipe in hand, working with meticulous precision in his workshop nestled in the Vallée de Joux. Yet, he transcends this romanticized image. A true master of his craft, Dufour is a passionate advocate for traditional watchmaking, a discipline he considers a fading art. His creations, imbued with unparalleled skill and devotion, are celebrated as masterpieces of horology, cherished by collectors and rarely seen outside the most exclusive private collections.
Among Dufour’s creations, the Simplicity stands as his most iconic and enduring achievement. Introduced in 2000, it is a tribute to the traditions of Swiss watchmaking, with each piece entirely handmade by Dufour himself. Initially offered in a 34mm case, the Simplicity was quickly expanded to a 37mm version in response to collector demand, for which Dufour redesigned the movement to maintain perfect proportions. Produced in variations of platinum, pink gold, and white gold, with either a white lacquer or hand-guilloché dial, the Simplicity was originally intended to be limited to 100 pieces. However, due to overwhelming demand, production was extended to 200 examples. Today 205 examples are known before its discontinuation. In 2020, Dufour announced a final run of 20 anniversary models, featuring a hinged caseback and unique dial to celebrate Simplicity’s 20th anniversary, cementing its legacy as a pinnacle of independent watchmaking.
The present example, an exceptionally rare 34mm Simplicity in pink gold, exemplifies Dufour’s philosophy of perfection. Acquiring a Simplicity has always been an exclusive and highly personal process, requiring introductions and recommendations, ensuring that each watch is imbued with extraordinary provenance.
Consigned by its original owner as the first Simplicity sold in Switzerland and bearing N°41 at the owner’s request, this extremely early example, accompanied by its presentation box and certificate, is only the fourth 34mm pink gold Simplicity to appear at auction. Its offering presents a rare and exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector to acquire a timepiece that epitomizes the essence of independent haute horology.
Among Dufour’s creations, the Simplicity stands as his most iconic and enduring achievement. Introduced in 2000, it is a tribute to the traditions of Swiss watchmaking, with each piece entirely handmade by Dufour himself. Initially offered in a 34mm case, the Simplicity was quickly expanded to a 37mm version in response to collector demand, for which Dufour redesigned the movement to maintain perfect proportions. Produced in variations of platinum, pink gold, and white gold, with either a white lacquer or hand-guilloché dial, the Simplicity was originally intended to be limited to 100 pieces. However, due to overwhelming demand, production was extended to 200 examples. Today 205 examples are known before its discontinuation. In 2020, Dufour announced a final run of 20 anniversary models, featuring a hinged caseback and unique dial to celebrate Simplicity’s 20th anniversary, cementing its legacy as a pinnacle of independent watchmaking.
The present example, an exceptionally rare 34mm Simplicity in pink gold, exemplifies Dufour’s philosophy of perfection. Acquiring a Simplicity has always been an exclusive and highly personal process, requiring introductions and recommendations, ensuring that each watch is imbued with extraordinary provenance.
Consigned by its original owner as the first Simplicity sold in Switzerland and bearing N°41 at the owner’s request, this extremely early example, accompanied by its presentation box and certificate, is only the fourth 34mm pink gold Simplicity to appear at auction. Its offering presents a rare and exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector to acquire a timepiece that epitomizes the essence of independent haute horology.
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.
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