Manufacturer: Philippe Dufour Year: Circa 1992 Material: Wood Dimensions: 320mm Length, 240mm Width and 120mm Height Signed: Signed by Philippe Dufour Accessories: Accompanied by outer packaging signed Michel Perrenoud “Le Virtuose du Bois”
Catalogue Essay
This box has been specially designed to house the Grande and Petite Sonnerie pocketwatch and wristwatch Number 1. Renown for his Swiss handmade cigar humidor, Michel Perrenoud “Le Virtuose du Bois” created this unique piece with an ingenious presentation system that pops up when the box is opened to present the two timepieces on a cream-colored cushion. Using a superb wood species with shimmering reflections, the box is finished with multiple coats of lacquer and is further embellished by brass elements matching the Philippe Dufour signature.
In the event the Grande et Petite Sonnerie wristwatch (lot 14) and pocketwatch (lot 145) are both sold and purchased by the same paddle, the present box, lot 145A will be automatically withdrawn from sale and all absentee and commission bids for lot 145A will be cancelled. Ownership of lot 145A will then be awarded to the successful purchaser of lots 14 and 145.
In the event Lots 14 and 145 are not both purchased by the same paddle the present lot will be offered at auction, with no reserve with all proceeds going to Association Monegasque contre les Myopathies, for research into Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.
Philippe Dufour is a modern master creating some of the most coveted timepieces available today. His watches feature clean, classic lines fitted with high-grade in-house movements and stunning finish and polish. His Simplicity model is near-perfect hand craftsmanship, produced entirely in a traditional manner without the use of modern industrial tools. Over a 12-year period he created approximately 200 examples often customized to the client's wishes. Today it is considered one of the finest mechanical time-only timepieces produced. Also highly sought-after is the Duality, a highly complicated masterpiece made in only 9 examples. Dufour worked for some of the top names in watch manufacturing including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet and Gerald Genta. In 1978, he opened his own workshop creating all his own parts. He is both the man and the brand, and by keeping his production numbers limited, Dufour maintains absolute control over quality and is therefore considered one of the most important independent watchmakers today.
