The Simplicity is the flagship timepiece of independent watchmaker Philippe Dufour. The watch is based on the traditional movement architecture and artistic expressions of the Vallée de Joux from 1850 to 1920, considered by many to be the golden age of traditional Swiss watchmaking. This watch features an extremely rare combination of a white gold case with rose gold hands and indices, an unusual configuration which only makes this example all the more desirable.

Early on, Philippe Dufour was made aware of his dedicated following in Japan through a friend of his, Antoine Preziuso. In response to that, he decided to create the Simplicity, a watch that catered to the sensitivities of that market, which had long appreciated fine craft, alongside understated and balanced design.

Between 2000 and the present day, it is understood that around 215 Simplicities have been made. It is also believed that there are a few dozen clients still waiting to receive their watches. More recently, the watchmaker committed to create a further 20 pieces, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Simplicity.

This is an incredibly rare example that combines a white gold case with rose gold hands and indices, lending a touch of colour and warmth to the otherwise restrained palette. Typical examples of the Simplicity often feature a single-colour configuration, and rarely combine metals. To our knowledge, there are almost no Simplicities in this form which have appeared publicly or come up for auction, making this a truly unusual find.

In contrast to the case, the solid silver dial has a sunburst finish, featuring a black minute track and applied Arabic numerals and index markers. An inner chapter, with a mesmerising guilloché pattern and Dauphine-style hands, features a discreet cartouche with the watchmaker's name. At 37mm in diameter, the watch asserts its presence comfortably on the wearer’s wrist.

To describe the Simplicity, one must start inside out. The movement is a heavily reworked version of the Valjoux calibre VZSS, a movement that has powered many of the finest watches over the last century.

As one might expect, the movement is superlative both in terms of construction and finish, bearing resemblance to similar pieces created in the Vallée du Joux, during the early 20th century. Dufour is admired for the quality of his finishing, which he achieves entirely by hand, by utilising traditional tools and techniques. The bridges are made from rhodium-plated brass and finished with classic Geneva stripes. The seamless transition between the stripe and the angling on the side of the bridges demonstrates the watchmaker’s level of skill.

Closer look

This Philippe Dufour Simplicity is in excellent condition throughout. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, remaining immaculately preserved, suggesting the watch was likely only worn on only a handful of occasions, if at all.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.