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.