Philippe Dufour Simplicity, 37mm, Platinum

The Simplicity is thus far the only series-production watch to originate from the Atelier of the extraordinary Swiss, independent watchmaker, Philippe Dufour. 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 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 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 platinum, round case measures 37 mm and features a white gold crown. The solid silver dial 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, humbly features a cartouche with the watchmaker's name. The sub-seconds register at six o'clock has concentric circles and black, painted markers. The overall design is very similar to the extremely refined version of Mr Dufour's very own, personal Simplicity. This Philippe Dufour Simplicity comes on a black alligator strap with a 18-carat white gold tang buckle.

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.