Philippe Dufour - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Philippe Dufour
    Year: 2008
    Movement No: No. 178
    Model Name: Simplicity
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 11, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Philippe Dufour Certificate of Origin and International Guarantee dated June 2008, fitted box, three crocodile Philippe Dufour straps, and outer box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Often seen with a pipe in one hand, a loupe on his forehead, and watches strapped to either wrist, Philippe Dufour is, simply and unequivocally, a living legend of horology. Not only has he produced some of the finest hand-finished watches of the modern era, but he does so with no marketing, no self-promotion, each year creating a dozen or so of the tiny masterpieces for which he has become so celebrated. He operates entirely as a one-man show in his converted schoolhouse in the Vallée du Joux.

    Following graduation from the Ecole d’Horlogerie in the Vallee de Joux, Dufour mastered his skills working for both Jaeger LeCoultre, Gerald Genta, and Audemars Piguet, specializing in complications. In 1992, as an independent watchmaker, he introduced the first wristwatch with Grande and Petite Sonnerie Minute Repeating movement, commissioned by Audemars Piguet.

    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 a hand-guilloché dial. Initially, the Simplicity was supposed to be limited to only 100 watches, but due to the incredible demand from clients and collectors, Dufour extended that number to 200. At the moment, there are at least 205 pieces that have been produced, and it is certainly more than possible that there may never be another one made. Very few have surfaced publicly, and the combination of a 37mm case in platinum with the hand guillochéd dial, most similar to the prototype version Monsieur Dufour himself wears, is arguably one of the most desired variants. The present example further impresses with its virtually “new” state of preservation, having resided in a drawer and never used since its production. Furthermore, its completeness is certain to impress the most discerning connoisseur, and is accompanied by three original Philippe Dufour crocodile straps, all in virtually unworn condition, to match the pristine nature of the watch itself.

  • Artist Biography

    Philippe Dufour

    Swiss • 1989

    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.

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Σ74

An extremely rare and important platinum wristwatch with original certificate, presentation box, and three accompanying straps

2008
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$150,000 - 300,000 
CHF149,000-298,000
€136,000-272,000
HK$1,170,000-2,350,000

Sold for $325,000

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

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019