Manufacturer: Ludovic Ballouard Year: 2012 Case No: Case back engraved "Independence" Model Name: Upside Down "Independence" Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. B01, 51 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Ludovic Ballouard pin buckle signed LB Dimensions: 41mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Guarantee Certificate, original invoice, travel pouch, cleaning cloth and cardboard box Literature: Ludovic Ballouard and the Upside Down are featured in Watchmakers, The Masters of Art Horology by Maxima Gallery pp. 48-57
Catalogue Essay
Ludovic Ballouard is renowned for his commitment to perfection and his timepieces meticulously crafted with a dash of enchantment.
After working with François-Paul Journe, Ballouard established his own workshop to follow his distinct vision. This led to the creation of the Upside Down in 2009.
For connoisseurs who cherish tradition yet crave innovation and uniqueness in their timepieces, this creation promises unparalleled satisfaction. Featuring an innovative time-only display, reading the time has been made both clever and captivating. The traditional dial is composed of 12 rotating discs, all of which are upside down except for the current hour, marked by a small dot that appears only when the disc is right side up. At the top of each hour, the previous hour disc flips back upside down, while the new hour disc rotates 180 degrees. The technical brilliance of this movement can be admired through the sapphire case back, showcasing the intricate mechanism. Controlled via Maltese crosses and a snail cam, the discs, meticulously finished, are connected by tiny pinions, offering a mesmerizing view of time's dance from both sides of the watch.
For Ballouard, this watch is not just a mechanical marvel but also a symbolic reminder to live in the present. The upside-down past and future hours serve as a metaphor, encouraging you to have no regrets about the past and no worries about the unknown future.
The present Upside Down, created in 2012, was made specifically for Independence, a Hong Kong-based boutique specializing in independent artisans. It is one of only two platinum Ludovic Ballouard watches featuring a heat-blued titanium dial with applied Breguet numerals.
Offering a unique fusion of artistic expression and timeless elegance, this watch will make them a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
