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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dress wristwatch

Philippe Dufour Simplicity, Number 14

Partially verified

This 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.

Dial detail of Philippe Dufour Simplicity number 14 featuring guilloché engraving and applied maker cartouche
Dial detail of Philippe Dufour Simplicity number 14 featuring guilloché engraving and applied maker cartouche — Sotheby’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dress wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Philippe Dufour
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 2000
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
14

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Simplicity was created in response to demand from legendary watchmaker Philippe Dufour's devoted Japanese following.”
  • “Produced from 2000 onwards, only a few examples of the Simplicity were manufactured each year.”
  • “this watch numbered 14 is one of Philippe Dufour’s earliest creation”
  • “Past Auction Important Watches I 5 April 2023 | 10:00 AM HKT | Hong Kong”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “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.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “this timepiece is renowned for its exceptional quality with each component hand-finished to perfection.”
  • “exemplifying his attention to detail and dedication to traditional watchmaking.”

Open research questions

  • What specific case metal and alloy hallmarks are stamped on the case of number 14?
  • What is the measured case diameter and thickness of this timepiece?
  • What caliber designation and individual movement numbering are engraved on the movement plates?
  • What was the specific lot number and realization price achieved by this watch at the Sotheby's Hong Kong 5 April 2023 auction?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Philippe Dufour Simplicity, Number 14
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelSimplicity“The Simplicity was created in response to demand from legendary watchmaker Philippe Dufour's devoted Japanese following.”
Number14“this watch numbered 14 is one of Philippe Dufour’s earliest creation”
Production startFrom 2000 onwards“Produced from 2000 onwards, only a few examples of the Simplicity were manufactured each year.”
Auction eventImportant Watches, Sotheby's Hong Kong, 5 April 2023“Past Auction Important Watches I 5 April 2023 | 10:00 AM HKT | Hong Kong”

Visible details

  • 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.

Research qualifications

  • Source text does not provide specific case diameter, case metal hallmark, lot number, or movement caliber designation.
  • Only a close-up view of the upper dial is provided; the movement, caseback, and strap are not shown in the image.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

50 Years New in Asia: Philippe Dufour Eternal Legacy | 50 Years New in Asia | Sotheby’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ea95fab3c0

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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