Philippe Dufour Simplicity, Number 14
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 2000
Maker / issuer
Philippe DufourThis Philippe Dufour Simplicity wristwatch is identified by Sotheby's as number 14 among the independent watchmaker's earliest creations. According to the auction house, the Simplicity was conceived in response to demand from Japanese collectors, with production commencing from 2000 onwards in very limited annual quantities with hand-finished components.
The provided image shows a close-up dial view featuring a central engine-turned guilloché wave pattern bordered by an inner railway minute track, an applied plaque inscribed 'PHILIPPE DUFOUR', yellow gold-toned faceted hour batons, applied Arabic numerals at 12 and 3, and yellow gold-toned hands.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Hand-wound wristwatch
- Model
- Simplicity
- Number
- 14
- Auction event
- Important Watches, Sotheby's Hong Kong, 5 April 2023
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Production start
- From 2000 onwards
- Maker / attribution
- Philippe Dufour
Design
- Visible features
- • Silvered dial with a central engine-turned wave guilloché motif within an oval framed by an inner minute railway track. • Applied rectangular nameplate reading 'PHILIPPE DUFOUR' positioned below 12 o'clock. • Yellow gold-toned polished bezel, applied Arabic numerals including 12 and 3, faceted wedge hour markers, and tapered hands.
- Identity and Model Context
- This dress wristwatch is a Philippe Dufour Simplicity, documented by Sotheby's as watch number 14. According to Sotheby's, the Simplicity model was created in response to demand from the watchmaker's Japanese following, with manufacture starting from 2000 onwards in quantities of only a few examples each year. The auction house notes that number 14 represents one of Philippe Dufour's earliest creations. It was associated with the Important Watches auction session held in Hong Kong on 5 April 2023.
- Dial and Visual Configuration
- The provided photograph presents a close-up perspective of the upper dial assembly. Direct visual observation reveals a silvered dial centered with an engine-turned wave guilloché motif set within an oval border framed by an inner minute railway track, as well as an applied rectangular nameplate inscribed 'PHILIPPE DUFOUR' set below the 12 o'clock position. Additional visible hardware consists of a yellow gold-toned polished bezel, applied Arabic numerals including 12 and 3, faceted wedge hour markers, and tapered hands.
- Source Documentation and Physical Limitations
- The source text describes the Simplicity as a timepiece where each component is hand-finished, highlighting traditional watchmaking practices. However, the movement itself is not shown in the single image or described with technical caliber specifications in the excerpt. Key physical details are not recorded in this source, including specific case metal hallmarks, case diameter, thickness, and caseback features. Available visual documentation in the record is limited strictly to the upper section of the dial and surrounding bezel.
Identification
- Serial number
- 14
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Source text does not provide specific case diameter, case metal hallmark, lot number, or movement caliber designation.
- Research required: Only a close-up view of the upper dial is provided; the movement, caseback, and strap are not shown in the image.