Philippe Dufour, revered among watch connoisseurs, has produced only 250 watches throughout his career, each crafted with incredible attention to detail. The Grande et Petite Sonnerie model, introduced in 1992, has seen only eight examples produced, with just three featuring an open dial that showcases the striking mechanism. The timepiece on auction is the only one with Dufour’s elaborate half-hunter case.
This extraordinary watch is expected to break records at Phillips New York, with an estimated sale price of over $2 million. It holds significant historical value as the world’s first wristwatch to feature both grande and petite sonnerie complications. Dufour's dedication to traditional watchmaking shines through in this 1999 masterpiece, representing the pinnacle of his craftsmanship.
Paul Boutros, Phillips’ deputy chairman and head of watches for the Americas, described the watch as one of the most important Philippe Dufour creations ever made, and an essential timepiece across all brands and eras. For collectors, the opportunity to own such a piece of horological history is truly once-in-a-lifetime.