The word ‘simplicity’ is defined as plain or uncomplicated, however with Philippe Dufour watches, they are anything but uncomplicated. A modern master, Dufour watches are highly sought after for the exact reason that their movements are highly executed and refined; they are the opposite of simple. Following graduation from the Ecole d’Horlogerie in the Vallee de Joux, Dufour mastered his skills working for both Jaeger LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet. In 1992, as an independent watchmaker, he introduced the first wristwatch with Grande and Petite Sonnerie Minute Repeating movement.

The Simplicity model was introduced in 2000 as a nod to traditional Swiss watchmaking, with each timepiece being handmade and assembled. The model was produced in different variations, with pink or white gold cases, a smaller model with 34mm diameter case, and a larger model with 37mm case. Dufour also created two dial types, one in white lacquer and the other with guilloche dial.

The present example features the 37mm case in pink gold, and the guilloche dial. In excellent condition and complete with original presentation box and certificate, this is a rare opportunity to own of the most sought after modern watches of the 21st century. Very few examples have appeared at auction, however it was Phillips' honour to offer two Simplicity models in Hong Kong in 2016, and setting an auction record of 2 million Hong Kong Dollars for a 37mm rose gold model.