Monsieur Dufour, a master of grand complications and finishing, based the Simplicity 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 result is the most coveted watch of our times. Its rarity, with only circa 210 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 such 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 rose-gold, round case, measures 37 mm. The white lacquer dial features a painted, black minute track and roman numerals. The centre of the dial, humbly features a cartouche of the watchmaker's name. It has a painted sub-seconds register at six o'clock , with concentric circles and black, painted Roman numerals to mark ten second increments. The hour and minute hands are blued-steel Breguet. This Philippe Dufour Simplicity comes on a black alligator strap with an 18-carat rose gold tang buckle, with its original box and papers.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
