A Short Biography of Philippe Dufour
Philippe Dufour Simplicity in rose gold, 37mm / Credit: ACollectedMan
Currently the best independent watchmaker in the world, known for his legendary Simplicity and many other achievements. He owes his success to a life of dedication and a wealth of experience, but how did the boy from Le Sentier become the master we love and respect today?
Philippe Dufour was born in 1948, to a working-class family in Le Sentier, a town in Vallée de Joux. He was one of four children, and from an early age encouraged to pick up a trade in the valley. So, he enrolled in the École Technique de la Vallée de Joux, Le Sentier to study watchmaking, graduating in 1967. Upon graduation, he flew to Germany where he started working for Jaeger-LeCoultre. After a few years there, he was hired by the General Watch Company and assigned to a manufacturing facility in Saint-Croix, a Caribbean island. When the factory closed down in 1974 due to economic turmoil, he moved back to Switzerland, going through stints working for Gerald Genta and Audemars Piguet. Eventually, he was compelled to go out on his own and in 1978 he opened his own atelier, where he created his very first movement: a grande sonnerie for pocket watch, 5 of which he sold to Audemars Piguet. Finally, he launched the Philippe Dufour brand at Baselworld 1992. His first piece, the Grande Sonnerie wristwatch, was reduced in size from the original pocket watch version and featured a skeleton dial. From there he went on to develop the Duality in 1996, and the Simplicity in 2000.
Philippe Dufour / Credit: Deployant
Opportunity, skill, and experience led Dufour to develop the brand that is admired internationally today. From his training in Vallée de Joux, to his time at Gerald Genta and Audemars Piguet, working at the pinnacle of the watchmaking industry; talent and hard work produced a master. Today, Philippe Dufour continues to pursue his craft, passing down the tradition by working along-side his daughter, herself a master watchmaker.