Beschreibung:

Philippe Dufour Follow An exceedingly rare, important, and early platinum wristwatch with double regulator, certificate and fitted presentation box. 1996 Case, dial and movement signed 35.5mm diameter
Manufacturer: Philippe Dufour Year: 1996 Case No: 00 Model Name: Duality Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 10, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black crocodile Philippe Dufour strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold buckle Dimensions: 35.5mm diameter Accessories: With Philippe Dufour Certificate, product literature, post card, envelope, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Provenance: The present example was formerly offered at auction at Christie's Geneva on 14.05.2007, lot 212. Provenance The present example was formerly offered at auction at Christie's Geneva on 14.05.2007, lot 212. Catalogue Essay Some watch brands take years to reach a level of desirability, while others become legends almost immediately after creating their first watches. One such brand is Philippe Dufour. Born and educated in the Vallée de Joux, he worked for Jaeger LeCoultre, Gerald Genta, and with his growing reputation as a complication specialist, was commissioned by Audemars Piguet to create five grande sonnerie pocket watch movements. In 1996, Dufour introduced his iconic Duality, the world’s first wristwatch incorporating a double escapement. Featuring two independent balance wheels compensated with a central differential gear, the mechanism improves accuracy while also countering the effects of gravity. He initially planned to produce 25 examples, however only nine were made including the present watch with the extraordinary number ‘00’ - the very first Duality made by the master himself. Phillips is extremely proud to offer this Duality, one of a mere handful of Philippe Dufour watches ever to appear at auction. This example is preserved in wonderful condition and is absolutely complete, accompanied by its original certificate, brochure, and fitted presentation box. A modern masterpiece in every way, the present lot is an extremely rare opportunity to obtain one of the rarest, most important, and most sought after timepieces created by a living legend. Read More Maker Bio Philippe Dufour Swiss • 1989 Follow Philippe Dufour is a modern master creating some of the most coveted timepieces available today. His watches feature clean, classic lines fitted with high-grade in-house movements and stunning finish and polish. His Simplicity model is near-perfect hand craftsmanship, produced entirely in a traditional manner without the use of modern industrial tools. Over a 12-year period he created approximately 200 examples often customized to the client's wishes. Today it is considered one of the finest mechanical time-only timepieces produced. Also highly sought-after is the Duality, a highly complicated masterpiece made in only 9 examples. Dufour worked for some of the top names in watch manufacturing including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet and Gerald Genta. In 1978, he opened his own workshop creating all his own parts. He is both the man and the brand, and by keeping his production numbers limited, Dufour maintains absolute control over quality and is therefore considered one of the most important independent watchmakers today. View More Works