Philippe Dufour - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Philippe Dufour
    Year: 2004
    Movement No: No. 70
    Model Name: Simplicity 37
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 11, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Philippe Dufour pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Philippe Dufour international guarantee and Certificate of Origin dated April 2004, Dufour-signed crocodile strap, fitted presentation box, and outer box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The name Philippe Dufour is synonymous with elegance, tradition, and innovation. Having graduated from the École d'Horlogerie in the Vallée de Joux, Dufour honed his craft at Jaeger-LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet before striking out on his own, restoring vintage pieces. Dufour famously stated that working with vintage masterpieces inspired him to create his own. In 1992, he introduced the Grande and Petite Sonnerie Minute Repeating wristwatch at Basel. It was the world’s first wristwatch to be fitted with such a highly complex chiming system, and was an instant success.

    Following the success of the Grande and Petite Sonnerie Minute Repeating wristwatch, Dufour introduced the Simplicity in the year 2000. Inspired by the traditional watchmaking methods in the Vallée de Joux, the Simplicity is entirely crafted and assembled under one roof. The name ‘Simplicity’ is a bit of a misnomer; though the watch only indicates the hours, minutes, and seconds, it is resplendent with aesthetic complexity. With beautiful hand engraved bridges, sumptuous anglage, dream-like bridge forms, and gorgeous curvatures on the case, the Simplicity is the result of Dufour’s search for perfection. The Simplicity was originally presented in a 34 mm case and a larger 37 mm case, like the present lot, was subsequently offered. It was made in pink gold, white gold or platinum with a unique steel version known. Two dial types can most often be found on his timepieces; either in white lacquer or with a hand-guilloché dial, with unique versions also known.

    Now discontinued, Dufour only created slightly more than 200 examples of the original Simplicity. Its rarity, coupled with elegant looks, has propelled the watch to ‘grail’ status today.

    Fitted with a lacquer dial, the present watch features black lacquered Roman numerals, which contrast wonderfully against the white lacquer background. Dufour notably chose to use lacquer instead of enamel, as the latter dial would require a thicker case. The larger case size of 37mm sits beautifully on the wrist, and the present lot is complete, accompanied by its original certificate and presentation box. Offered in exceptionally well-preserved condition, it is a trophy watch for the discerning collector.

  • 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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ΟΣ11

A lavishly hand-finished, highly coveted, and extremely well-preserved white gold wristwatch with white lacquer dial, certificate, and presentation box, numbered 70

2004
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$300,000 - 600,000 
CHF270,000-540,000
€277,000-555,000
HK$2,350,000-4,690,000
S$403,000-807,000

Sold for $863,600

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023