Manufacturer: Philippe Dufour Year: 2012 Movement No: 161 Model Name: Simplicity Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 11, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Brown Philippe Dufour crocodile strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Philippe Dufour buckle Dimensions: 37mm diameter Signed:Dial and movement signed Accessories: With Philippe Dufour International Guarantee and Certificate of Origin dated January 2012, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Literature: For another example of a Simplicity see Masters of Contemporary Watchmaking by Michael Clerizo, pages 88 and 89.
Catalogue Essay
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.
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.