Philippe Dufour - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Philippe Dufour
    Year: 1996
    Case No: 00
    Model Name: Duality
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 10, 40 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Black crocodile Philippe Dufour strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold buckle
    Dimensions: 35.5mm diameter
    Accessories: With Philippe Dufour Certificate, product literature, post card, envelope, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
    Provenance: The present example was formerly offered at auction at Christie's Geneva on 14.05.2007, lot 212.

  • Provenance

    The present example was formerly offered at auction at Christie's Geneva on 14.05.2007, lot 212.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Some watch brands take years to reach a level of desirability, while others become legends almost immediately after creating their first watches. One such brand is Philippe Dufour. Born and educated in the Vallée de Joux, he worked for Jaeger LeCoultre, Gerald Genta, and with his growing reputation as a complication specialist, was commissioned by Audemars Piguet to create five grande sonnerie pocket watch movements. In 1996, Dufour introduced his iconic Duality, the world’s first wristwatch incorporating a double escapement. Featuring two independent balance wheels compensated with a central differential gear, the mechanism improves accuracy while also countering the effects of gravity. He initially planned to produce 25 examples, however only nine were made including the present watch with the extraordinary number ‘00’ - the very first Duality made by the master himself. Phillips is extremely proud to offer this Duality, one of a mere handful of Philippe Dufour watches ever to appear at auction. This example is preserved in wonderful condition and is absolutely complete, accompanied by its original certificate, brochure, and fitted presentation box. A modern masterpiece in every way, the present lot is an extremely rare opportunity to obtain one of the rarest, most important, and most sought after timepieces created by a living legend.

  • Artist Biography

    Philippe Dufour

    Swiss • 1989

    Philippe 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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An exceedingly rare, important, and early platinum wristwatch with double regulator, certificate and fitted presentation box.

1996
Case, dial and movement signed
35.5mm diameter

Estimate
$200,000 - 400,000 
CHF195,000-390,000
€170,000-341,000
HK$1,560,000-3,120,000

Sold for $915,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017