Philippe Dufour - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 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: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold pin buckle
    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, 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.

    Following graduation from the Ecole d’Horlogerie in the Vallée de Joux, Dufour mastered his skills working for Jaeger-LeCoultre, Gérald Genta, and Audemars Piguet, specializing in complications. In 1992, as an independent watchmaker, he introduced the world’s first wristwatch with Grande and Petite Sonnerie.

    The Simplicity model was introduced in 2000 as a tribute to traditional Swiss watchmaking, with each timepiece being created and assembled entirely by hand. The model was produced in different variations, with platinum, pink, or white gold cases and two case sizes: 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. Currently, 205 pieces of the original Simplicity are known to have been produced before its discontinuation.

    In 2020, Dufour announced a last run of 20 Simplicity models in celebration of the model’s 20th anniversary. These anniversary pieces feature a hinged caseback and a different dial to the non- anniversary models. Anniversary piece number 00/20 was sold at Phillips Geneva in November 2020 for CHF 1,361,000.

    The combination of a 37mm case in platinum with the hand-guilloché dial, most similar to the prototype version Monsieur Dufour himself wears, is arguably one of the most desired variants. This particular example is preserved in virtually unworn condition, with its original guarantee and presentation box. With the increase in cult status of the Simplicity and the deep respect for Monsieur Dufour in the horological community, this is an unmissable opportunity to obtain a modern masterpiece.

  • 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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An extremely well preserved, rare, and important platinum wristwatch with original certificate and presentation box

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

Estimate
$400,000 - 800,000 
CHF360,000-720,000
€374,000-749,000
HK$3,120,000-6,250,000
S$544,000-1,090,000

Sold for $558,800

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and 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: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023