Independents
SJX's 2012 post introduces Ludovic Ballouard's new models, focusing on the Half Time and an updated Upside Down. This article highlights Ballouard's distinctive approach to time display, emphasizing unconventional yet mechanically pure complications. It offers valuable insights into the independent watchmaker's philosophy and the intricate workings of his unique creations.
Ludovic Ballouard’s second model is the Half Time. Like his first watch, the Upside Down, the Half Time is an unconventional way to tell the time but has no additional complications. That will be the guiding principle for future watches as well.
The idea of the Half Time is simple – the dial is comprised of two discs, one in the centre and another encircling the first. The Roman numerals for the hours are painted on both discs, with half the numeral on each disc, top and bottom.
At the top of the hour each disc jumps in a different direction (the outer disc counter-clockwise and the inner disc in the opposite direction), forming the hour numeral in the window at 12 o’clock.
In the photo disc alignment isn't perfect as this is a prototype.
The minutes are on a retrograde scale at six o’clock. Also engraved at six on this particular piece is the limited edition number for the first 12 ‘subscription’ watches sold on pre-order. The regular production pieces won’t be numbered on the dial naturally.
Like the Upside Down the case is 41 mm and in platinum.
And for 2012 Ludovic has updated the Upside Down with black dials and applied numerals, while the movement is ruthenium-coated to match the dial.
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For the full SIHH 2012 report in SIHH forum, http://basel.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-636/pi-5114288/ti-769238/s-0/
for me.. and me only.. I'm not so sure. I can appreciate that this is mechanically more complex than normal but it just doesn;t have the same positive novel impact the updown has for me. I find this rather messy in presentation.
it looks more complicated even if it has no new "complication" !
I could talk to Ludovic Ballouard in Paris when he was showing the Upside Down in November and he is a very nice guy, original and quite forthright, it was a real pleasure. I really like the overall look of the Upside down and how it works. I also like the elegant look, not old looking but still classic. On the other hand, I must say I have mixed feelings concerning these first pics of the Half Time. First, the fact that both rings used to show the hours are not perfectly in line bothers me a li
And polish them to a stunningly beautiful degree. What i dont understand about this half time is how it actually works, is the hour that is the current time meant to be formed in the window at 12 while the rest are being jumbled up? I dont see how the current hour shown in your photo is not aligned? I can see the other hours not being aligned at all, but isnt this supposed to be how it is? Please enlighten if you may. Cheers Stephen
One ring goes clockwise and the other ring anti clockwise : when we look at 12' the 2 sides make the right hour. And yes I would find better too to have a nicer alignement as it is on the pics. Maybe a prototype. Best, Mark
White metal - PT? and black dial is my favorite and this interesting complication intrigues me. Thanks! Ken
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