Monsieur Dufour, a master of grand complications and finishing, based the design on traditional movement architecture and artistic expressions of the Vallée de Joux from 1850 to 1920. It reminds us so much about what was great about the 'Belle Époque of watchmaking' - an understated, elegant aesthetic, married with a fantastically finished, manual-winding movement.
"The Philippe Dufour Simplicity is probably the most desirable timepiece made by an independent watchmaker, representing the perfect synthesis of simplicity and a remarkably executed movement. "
[
SJX about the
Simplicity]
The result is the most coveted watch of our times. Its rarity, with just over 200 pieces made over the course of twelve years, no doubt adds to its desirability. However it is Monsieur Dufour's meticulous attention to all details of watchmaking that make the Simplicity an outstanding expression of horological craftsmanship.
To describe the Simplicity, one must start inside out, as it is the movement that is at the core of the design. The execution is perfect and sharp, yet not overwhelming; the polished, beveled curves of the anglage add depth and contrast effortlessly with the silver finishing. Impeccably clear pink rubies do the same. The overall effect is harmonious and balanced. The two gold plates, for the maker's name and the production number, are held in place by blued screws. Balance is kept in check.
The quality is uncompromising, every single part is hand-finished, even the screws and their slots are beveled. The movement features a Breguet hairspring and a large balance wheel, with adjusting weights at the two arms for micro-timing. And there is no regulator, as all Philippe Dufour watches are free-sprung. It has 52 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Moving on to the front of the watch, the overall design mirrors Mr Dufour's very own, personal Simplicity - in white gold, sized at 34mm and with a guilloché dial. The solid silver surface has a sunburst finish, and features a painted, black minute track and applied Arabic numerals and index markers. An inner chapter, with stunning guilloché and Dauphine hands, features a humble cartouche with the watchmaker's name. The sub-seconds register at six o'clock has concentric circles and black, painted markers. In addition, this piece comes with an extra silver dial, featuring Roman numerals.
This example was delivered by Mr. Dufour in February, 2009 and was sold in March 2010 in the historic Japanese Kamine shop. The watch comes on its original dark brown alligator Dufour strap, with an 18-carat white gold tang buckle. It's also accompanied by an additional set of dial and hands - featuring painted, black roman numerals on white lacquer, complete with Breguet-style hands.
This 34mm, white gold Philippe Dufour Simplicity, in its more refined size and precious case metal, represents one of the purest expressions, of arguably the most beloved time-only watch in the world.
A Collected Man is the approved re-seller of pre-owned Dufour Watches, and thus authenticity on this Simplicity is guaranteed. Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
