Sotheby's 09.10.2020 | Philippe Dufour Simplicity watch Nr. 68 hits the record

Sotheby's 09.10.2020. Philippe Dufour Simplicity watch Nr. 68 sold for EUR 382'000

Philippe Dufour Simplicity Nr. 68

Dial: silvered

Calibre: cal. 11 mechanical, 21 jewels

Movement number: 68

Case: white gold, snap on sapphire crystal display back

Closure: black unsigned leather strap and 18k white gold buckle

Size: 37 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Philippe Dufour Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Following Philippe Dufour's graduation from the Ecole d’Horlogerie in the Joux Valley in 1967, which is known as the birthplace of complicated watches, the renowned watchmaker started working as a pocket watch restoration specialist. Mastering his craft by working at renowned brands including Gerald Genta, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet, he later established his eponymous brand. Drawing from his foundational pocket watch knowledge, Philippe Dufour’s greatest creations include the first-ever Grande and Petite Sonnerie Minute-Repeating wristwatch (1992), Duality (1996) and the present example, Simplicity (2000).

Transitioning from highly-complicated timepieces to simple yet undeniably sophisticated wristwatches, the Simplicity perfects the balance between legibility and detail: the hand-guilloched dial and the hand-finished movement exemplifies the modern master’s exceptional technique. Due to Philippe Dufour’s ethos of impeccable craftsmanship, the production numbers are alarmingly limited. The rise of the Simplicity can also be attributed to the enthusiasm of the Japanese market for Dufour watches. In fact, a chapter of the manga ‘Tokei No Himitsu’ or ‘The Secrets of Watches’ was dedicated to the watch master, celebrating his impact on Swiss horology. To date, over 120 Simplicity Watches have been retailed in Japan. While, over 200 Simplicity watches have been produced in total, with unknown prospects of whether another will be made. With little-to-no publicity efforts from the brand, the Simplicity is as magnificent as it is elusive.