Ludovic Ballouard - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Ludovic Ballouard
    Year: 2020
    Reference No: W001805
    Case No: No. 24
    Model Name: Upside Down
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. B01, 51 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum buckle stamped L. B.
    Dimensions: 41mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Ludovic Ballouard Guarantee Certificate, fitted presentation box, and leather pouch.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Similar to other independent watchmakers of the 21st century, Ludovic Ballouard worked for another well-known and respected manufacturer before he chose to follow his dreams, and create masterpieces displaying his own unique design and aesthetic. He gained valuable experience with complicated timepieces first with Franck Muller, then working in the F. P. Journe atelier. With the desire to produce a watch that was apparently simple, yet technically complex, he introduced in December 2009, the Upside Down wristwatch. The elegant 41mm diameter case is full and broad with curved lugs – as appealing as a classic time only watch, however first impressions are deceiving. Upon closer inspection the dial has an extraordinary feature in the hour markers, as all are upside down, save but one.

    This incredibly avant garde time display is ingenious, and a delight to watch. The traditional dial consists of 12 rotating discs, which are all upside down except for the correct hour, which is also denoted by a small dot that only becomes visible when right side up. At the top of the hour the old hour passes and returns to the upside down position, while the new hour is rotated 180 degrees. The technical marvel of this movement is seen when one turns the watch over and through the sapphire back, one can admire the complexity of this unique timepiece. The movement plate carries twelve finely-finished discs attached by tiny pinions, and it is as fascinating to watch the time change on the dial as it is from the movement side.

    For Ludovic, this watch is not only a mechanical masterpiece, but also a representation of how one should live in the moment, and that the past and future are presented upside down to remind you that you should have no regrets about the past, or qualms for the future, which you know nothing about. The present watch is in factory new condition, and accompanied by its original certificate and presentation box. This is a rare opportunity to own a contemporary timepiece that is exceptional in its simplicity, and devilish in its complexity.

41

Ref. W001805
A very rare, attractive, and unusual jump hour platinum wristwatch with certificate of guarantee and presentation box

2020
41mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF18,000-36,000
€16,800-33,700
HK$155,000-310,000

Sold for $54,180

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020