Philippe Dufour

Simplicity, Number 31 | A platinum wristwatch, Circa 2003

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

4,000,000 - 8,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

PROPERTY OF AN IMPORTANT COLLECTOR

Philippe Dufour

Simplicity, Number 31

A platinum wristwatch, Circa 2003

Dial: white

Calibre: cal. 11 mechanical, 21 jewels

Movement number: 31

Case: platinum, snap on sapphire crystal display back

Closure: black Philippe Dufour alligator strap and 18k white gold buckle

Size: 37 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

A legend in watchmaking was born in 1948 in Le Sentier, the Vallée de Joux. Philippe Dufour, the son of two passionate watchmakers, began nurturing his talent for mechanical watchmaking at the young age of 15. Instead of pursuing academics, he chose the path of watchmaking and graduated from the Ecole d’Horlogerie de la Vallée de Joux. He began his career at prestigious watch brands such as Jaeger-Lecoultre and Audemars Piguet, but had a bigger vision in mind.

In 1992, Philippe Dufour shocked the world with his Grande Sonnerie - one of the most challenging watchmaking complications to make and the first of the type to ever be cased in wristwatch form. He went on to produce only two other models, the Duality which debuted at Baselworld 1996 and the Simplicity which was released in 2000.

The Simplicity was created in response to demand from Dufour's devoted Japanese following. While it may appear minimalistic, this timepiece is renowned for its exceptional quality with each component hand-finished to perfection by Dufour himself - one watchmaker, start to finish. The watch exemplifies Philippe Dufour’s attention to detail and dedication to traditional watchmaking.

The entire watch, from the bridges to the screws to the movement and to the case, was handmade using the most traditional watchmaking tools. Dufour even went as far as collecting wood from plants near his workshop for the final stages of polishing. It is said that if one were to feel the guilloché finishing on the plates, it would feel flat due to how fine it is. The present early platinum example, Number 31, is cased in the larger 37mm size. It is also fitted with the white lacquer dial, the most traditional of the different configurations that have surfaced throughout the years. The Simplicity is much more than a watch, it encapsulates the very essence of Swiss watchmaking.

Philippe Dufour Simplicity 編號31

鉑金腕錶，約2003年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."