Independents
Watch_time_it_is shares an intimate account of his visit with independent watchmaker Ludovic Ballouard, offering a rare glimpse into the artist's atelier and philosophy. This post emphasizes the profound connection between a watch and its creator, revealing the deeper artistic messages embedded in Ballouard's 'Upside Down' and 'Half Time' creations. It's a testament to the personal stories that enrich the world of haute horlogerie.
One of a series - Stories of visits with independent watchmakers
For me, a big part of a watch is the watchmaker. These are the stories not of the watches and their technical marvel, but of my visits with the watchmakers themselves.
Ludovic Ballouard - July, 2018
Beauty much more than skin deep.
My expectations were high as I drove to Ludovic Ballouard’s atelier. As my first visit with an independent watchmaker in their natural surroundings, and having acquired a Half Time just months earlier in an exciting auction, I expected magic, but feared reality might fall short.
The commute from Geneva presented a beautiful country side and amazing weather that was like a fine painting.
An eerily straight road broken only by occasional roundabouts ]reminded you to keep your eyes on the road, and that there is rarely a truly straight line from point A to point B.
Atelier
Passing riders on horseback, I arrived at Ludovic’s simply and charming atelier. Ludovic greeted me, the central casting version of an artist - French, flowing hair, in bright colors, and full of life. Ludovic is indeed an artist, one who’s canvases are time pieces worn on the wrist. From his movements to the design of his dials, each has a story that is as rich as the artist himself.
Nergs - his commercial director, translator, and as multifaceted and surprising as the watches themselves - shared with me the stories of Ludovic’s watches.
Upside Down Time
His first, the Upside Down was created in 2009, a time when numbers everywhere seemed “upside down” due to the global economic crisis. Ludovic wanted to reflect that and remind the wearing to focus on now, this hour. Thus all other numbers are upside down.
Interesting I thought.
But there was more.
Half Time
His second design, the Half Time, comes from the love of two combining. Two people shown as two parts combining at the top of the dial to show the current hour. Again, the only readable hour is the current hour as that is what matters.
I will admit I felt I should have seen this theme in his work, but not having a degree in fine art, I forgave myself the oversight.
Knowing the stories, I now see the watches first for their art and message, and second for their mechanical marvel.
Half Time movement
As the Half Time I acquired was close to 5 years old I anticipated the need for a service. Ludovic ran a few tests and pronounced that not only was everything fine, but the variance was zero, the movement was running as it had the day it was made without a single second of variance.
Truly magical.
Driving back to Geneva on that eerily straight rode my fears had been replaced with a large smile, the visit had been so much more than I have imagined. I had a peek into the soul of the watch and the watchmaker, been welcomed as an old friend, and learned just how rewarding a visit such as this can be to a collector.
Links of Interest:
https://monochrome-watches.com/ludovic-ballouard-upside-down-full-review-hands-pics-specs-price/
https://monochrome-watches.com/ludovic-ballouard-half-time/
https://quillandpad.com/2016/09/10/bought-ludovic-ballouard-upside/
Thanks for sharing , i really like his watches and hope to add one in my collection in the near future 🙏🏻
Is a great guy, warm and welcoming with a great sense of humour. His watches are fabulous and made with true passion. Thanks for your report, a worthy subject.
Considering he was one of a very few watchmakers at F.P. Journe who could assemble Journe's Grand Sonnerie, I wonder if he will ever make a striking watch. Design his own striking watch... That would be something. But what he does right now is already super impressive. Remember that OPUS watch he designed for Harry Winston? That's still my favorite concept of all the Opus watches. Although I don't think it was ever produced. A pity.
he certainly is a very talented watchmaker and a great guy.
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