The Philippe Dufour Simplicity is a watch of myth for many. It is reputed to be the best finished modern wristwatch in the world. The Simplicity has competitors, like the Voutilainen Vingt-8, but it is still legendary. Mr Dufour is so good at that Seiko approached him for guidance in finishing their superlative Credor Spring Drive Eichi.

I will publish more detailed photos soon but in the mean time here are some photos of a trio of Simplicities. From left to right: 37 mm rose gold with lacquer dial, 37 mm white gold with grey guilloche dial and 34 mm white gold with silver guilloche dial. Between the lacquer and guilloche I very much prefer the latter.

Despite its dimunitive size the 34 mm sits well on the wrist. This size was the original conceived by Mr Dufour until clients requested a larger case. It has tremendously old-fashioned charm. Even the view from the back is more elegant; the movement fills far more of the case. Mr Dufour himself wears a 34 mm Simplicity too.

And for those wondering, the owner of the rose gold watch likes to set his watches a bit fast.

– SJX

One of the watchmakers profiled in this excellent book on independent watchmaking is Mr Dufour himself