Philippe Dufour Grande & Petite Sonnerie with Sapphire Dial Sells for $3,690,000

On December 7-8, New York hosted Phillips’ Watch Auction XI, where a rare Philippe Dufour Grande & Petite Sonnerie with a sapphire dial became the centerpiece. Estimated at $2,000,000, the watch exceeded expectations, fetching a remarkable $3,690,000. This sale highlights the enduring allure of Philippe Dufour’s craftsmanship and the exceptional nature of this timepiece.

A Milestone in Horological History

Philippe Dufour first introduced the Grande & Petite Sonnerie wristwatch in 1992, revolutionizing the watchmaking world by miniaturizing the complex sonnerie mechanism for a wristwatch. Limited to only eight pieces, each model in this series exemplifies the pinnacle of independent watchmaking, combining intricate mechanics with traditional hand-finishing.

The auctioned piece is the seventh in the series, completed in 2016, and one of only three featuring a sapphire dial. Its 41 mm white gold case, paired with burgundy hands and gold-tone markers, provides an unobstructed view of the intricate movement beneath, showcasing Dufour’s signature balance of artistry and mechanical mastery.

Exceptional Design and Functionality

The Grande & Petite Sonnerie is not only a marvel of engineering but also a model of simplicity in operation. Key features include:

• Crown Functions: Turning the crown in one direction winds the timekeeping mechanism; the opposite direction powers the chiming mechanism.
• Pushers on the Case Side:
• Silent/Sound: Toggles between silent and active striking modes.
• Grand/Petite: Switches between grande sonnerie (striking hours and quarters, repeating the hour at each quarter) and petite sonnerie (striking hours only at the top of the hour and quarters without repetition).

The combination of these intuitive functions with an unparalleled level of finishing makes this timepiece both practical and exquisitely refined.

Legacy of the Grande & Petite Sonnerie

This isn’t the first time a model from this legendary series has achieved a record-breaking result. In 2021, another piece—a pink gold model with a white enamel dial—was sold for an astounding $7.63 million, setting a benchmark for independent watchmaking at auction. The 2021 sale demonstrated the immense value collectors place on Dufour’s limited creations and their extraordinary craftsmanship.

A Symbol of Excellence in Watchmaking

Collectors prize Philippe Dufour’s work for its meticulous attention to detail, traditional techniques, and rarity. Each timepiece is hand-finished to perfection, with movements that are as beautiful as they are functional. The sapphire dial of the seventh Grande & Petite Sonnerie provides a modern twist, allowing a clear view of the movement while maintaining the classic elegance for which Dufour is known.

A Testament to Independent Watchmaking

With this sale, Philippe Dufour reaffirms his place as one of the greatest independent watchmakers of all time. The $3,690,000 result underscores the ongoing demand for his limited creations and the enduring appeal of his dedication to traditional horology. For collectors, owning a Dufour is not just acquiring a watch—it’s acquiring a piece of horological history.