Philippe Dufour

• cal. 11 manual winding nickel lever movement, 21 jewels • grey dial with guilloché centrefield, applied Arabic and baton indexes, subsidiary seconds • 18k white gold case, snap-on sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Philippe Dufour buckle

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial in very good condition. Case in very good condition with little signs of use, however there is a noticeable surface hairline to side of the right upper lugs. Overall in very good condition. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. **Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species, please refer to important notices for further information.**
"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."

Accompanied by a Philippe Dufour certificate and presentation box.

One of the most iconic watchmakers of all time, comparable with the likes of Francois-Paul Journe and Ludwig Oeschslin, Philippe Dufour’s concept of time inspires not only the industry, but also the Master himself as he reinvents his art frequently. A distinguished student from Gabriel Locatelli, he worked for world-renowned ateliers like Audemars Piguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre and helped to create and develop their most extraordinary repeaters. Dufour is considered by many to be the greatest living watchmaker; making each timepiece by hand, he often uses tools that date back to the 1930s. In 2013, he was awarded the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Special Jury Prize, a testament to his contribution to the art of horology and a justification that he is a specific yet comprehensive, pure artist.

Dufour’s list of accomplishments varies from being the first person in history to put a double balance wheel in a wristwatch to being the very first person in history to put a Grande Sonnerie in a wristwatch. While these inventions were revolutionary in the world of watchmaking and gave him the credibility to be mentioned among the greatest, it is the Simplicity that will surely be his legacy. Perceived by Dufour to be the ultimate interpretation of traditional Swiss watchmaking, a focus is given to the finish of the momentous in-house calibre. Simplicity houses Dufour’s calibre 11 which is one of the most well regarded manually-wound movements ever created.

With a case diameter of 37mm in white gold, the present lot features a solid silver dial that has a guilloche centerfield, applied Arabic and dagger numerals and subsidiary seconds.

True to Philippe Dufour’s vision of quality over quantity, only 200 pieces have been released. Considered one on the most finely finished watches in the world, this is the perfect opportunity for connoisseurs to collect this true masterpiece.