Ludovic Ballouard - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Ludovic Ballouard
    Year: Circa 2015
    Movement No: No. 12
    Case No: No. 19
    Model Name: Upside Down
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. B01, 51 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Ludovic Ballouard pin buckle
    Dimensions: 41mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by undated Ludovic Ballouard Guarantee, cloth and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Established in 2009, Ludovic Ballouard set out to create his own timepieces after working for some of the most reputable craftsman such as F.P. Journe. At F.P. Journe where Ballouard stayed for 7 years, he was responsible for working on the Sonnerie Souvrain grande & petite sonnerie.

    With a contemporary approach submerged with traditional craftsmanship, Ballouard’s wish was to create his own simple timepiece featuring complex movement mechanisms with an innovative and unique way to tell the time.

    Ludovic Ballouard achieved his goal by introducing the “Upside Down” in late 2009. Featuring a classic and clean-cut case design, at first glance one may not notice the technical complexity of the timepiece from the dial. However when flipped over, one is able to determine that the cal. B01 is no ordinary caliber. The “Upside Down” indicates its hour by featuring an upright numeral of the specific hour and a single hand to determine the minutes. To achieve such feat, 12 numerals are secured on rotating discs with a dot hidden under the case when upside down.

    With that said, Ballouard could have easily implemented a much easier method to achieve the rotational feature of the hours by hiding it under the dial. However, it is proudly displayed on the case back for the owner to admire the complexity and craftsmanship of the caliber. Furthermore, one may not notice the subtle hand engraved “LB” on the asymmetrically positioned crown, which adds an elevated excitement when noticed.

    The present Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down is presented in excellent overall condition encased in pink gold with a grained grey dial. Regarded as a modern classic among the independents, the present example which is accompanied by the full set of accessories will most certainly put a smile on the face of savvy collectors of independents.

962

A fine and attractive pink gold wristwatch with unusual “upside down” dial, guarantee and box

Circa 2015
41mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€17,500-34,900
$20,500-41,000

Sold for HK$225,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020