Ludovic Ballouard: Independent Watchmaker Overview

holdemchamp1225 · 2022-09-04T12:10:10Z

Explore Ludovic Ballouard's Upside Down with a rare Osmium dial. Holdemchamp1225 shares an exclusive atelier visit and a bespoke project with the independent watchmaker.

holdemchamp1225

WPS member · Independents forum

45 replies7665 views6 photos

Holdemchamp1225's exclusive visit to Ludovic Ballouard's atelier offers a rare glimpse into the world of independent watchmaking and the creation of a highly personal horological project. This post not only highlights Ballouard's renowned hospitality and genius but also unveils a limited-edition Upside Down timepiece featuring an extraordinary Osmium dial. Readers gain insight into the unique material and the intimate process of commissioning a bespoke watch from a master craftsman.

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Where do I start? He is a crazy genius but honestly one of the NICEST and KINDEST people in the watch world. He is always open and welcoming to everyone, even given the language barrier sometimes.

We were fortunate enough to go and visit his atelier just outside Geneva where we had an amazing Swiss fondue for lunch. Our group was welcomed by Ludovic and his charming wife. Cedric Johner also stopped by which was a great addition to the lunch as we all shared many stories of watches, life, etc...

I do not want to get into too many details but I will say this could have been one of the most, if not the most, important lunches and meetings in my entire 31 years of collecting watches.

Ludovic agreed to take on a project that has HUGE sentimental and emotional value for me. I will discuss this at a later time but to give you a point of reference, if you asked me to give up watch collecting or trade my entire collection for this ONE project, I most likely would do it 🙊🙈🙉

As for now, I would like to share with you a crazy piece we got to see together. It is Ludo's new Upside Down with an Osmium dial !!

Osmium is the most rare and precious earth metal at a staggering price of 2.000 CHF per gram of raw material. The dial alone on this piece is 10.5 grams so you can do the calculations. Please remember that this is just RAW cost and Ludo would need more material to start out with to make the dial and work on the details.

The color is very difficult to capture as it changes from silver to a bluish hue. I took a video if anyone wants to see it but cannot post it so send me a PM and I can forward it to you.

One of our friends was so smitten that he confirmed one immediately. Now I just need to get off my ass and decide which configuration I want as well since there are already 4 or 5 SOLD of the 7 that will be made. They might be sold out as I write this post since we saw Ludo 4 days ago 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

In any case, my project with Ludo will be my first LB piece but one of many I am sure of that. He is coming out with a new piece I call a GAME CHANGER and I have ALREADY confirmed my interest for one, if and when it becomes available.

So please enjoy the Osmium Upside Down below. What an incredible piece !!

Bravo Ludo 👏 👏

This message has been edited by Mike H on 2022-09-05 08:11:57

Key Points from the Discussion

Ludovic Ballouard's watches, while highly admired, can be challenging for collectors with smaller wrists, a common issue with many independent watchmakers' offerings.
An early acquisition of a Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down in 2011 led one collector to exclusively pursue independent watchmakers, highlighting Ballouard's impact on collecting philosophy.
The Osmium dial, while visually striking with its changing hues, is a material also seen in other independent brands like Czapek, indicating a trend in using rare earth metals for dials.
The price and availability of Ludovic Ballouard's Upside Down models have significantly increased, with direct purchases requiring over a year's wait, making special editions like the Osmium dial even more exclusive.
The enduring appeal of Ludovic Ballouard's unique approach to time display and his upcoming 'game changer' concept continue to generate significant collector anticipation.
The thread demonstrates the long-term engagement and curiosity within the community regarding holdemchamp1225's highly anticipated custom project with Ludovic Ballouard, even years after the initial post.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Sep 4, 2022

I am very intrigued in what you would hold on such high regard in the setting of your collection! I've never been into the upside-down aesthetic, I'm not against it but just not super into it. I will say it seems the shape of the case and lugs for that watch are very pleasing. That osmium looks cool... I first learned of it with a recent czapek release. - Kevin

Cpt Scarlet

Sep 4, 2022

Ludo is one of a kind and a real gentleman.

ZSHSZ

Sep 4, 2022

I find myself constantly searching for the proper number;-))) Nevertheless I’m very happy and exited for your commission. Can’t wait to learn more!

cazalea

Sep 4, 2022

That was 11 years ago! Gosh. Cazalea

jleno

Sep 4, 2022

I'm very curious to see what the result of this project with LB will be! Feel free to forward me the video of the osmium dial as well, it looks incredible in the pictures!

Horology75

Sep 4, 2022

Always ahead of time my friend . Amazing catch and beautiful timepiece !

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