samwan
2729
Crazy watch....
I was obsessed with this watch ever since I saw it on Thomas Mao's wrist. Deep in my heart I know I will get it one day. After failing to acquire a similar piece from a recent auction (I put in an absentee bid because of time difference, but was outbid by the mere margin of US$ 2,000 
), I decided to up the ante by pulling the trigger on a brand new piece.
First of all, a little suspense - I will show you the Tang buckle (big hint already). Can you guess?
Okay, another hint. Here's the crown. Somewhere between two and three o'clock...funny....
Da..da..Ludovi Ballouard's Upside Down in platinum. There are a couple of threads on this watch so I won't waste time to elaborate. I do understand that at the time of writing, with the mesmerizing blue dial (instead of silver) and the applied indices (instead of print), it is a piece unique:
A closer shot
The pictures do not do the watch justice (the blue was somewhat difficult to capture).
Look at the wonderful movement. Note the word 'Independence' engraved - this is the name of the distributor in Hong Kong
Some closer shots of the movement:
A wrist-shot. It's early in the morning.
A group photo with other pieces with pin buckles. How many independents can you spot?
Just want to share the joy with you folks.
Sam
Crazy watch....
I was obsessed with this watch ever since I saw it on Thomas Mao's wrist. Deep in my heart I know I will get it one day. After failing to acquire a similar piece from a recent auction (I put in an absentee bid because of time difference, but was outbid by...
Congrats Sam!
That's a simple but novel complication. Love the concave case sides too. I bid on the same watch at Antiquorum too but didn't win either. - SJX
beautiful piece
i owned the upside and had to let it go sometime ago... congratulations! have you considered the platinum LF enamel dial micro-rotor ltd edition of 18 pieces? quite a beauty! Best of luck in your next acquisition! OpC PS... the independence guys are aweso...
BTW I just read your write-up
on Laurent Ferrier's micro-rotor LE platinum enamel dial. Any advice on how I can lay my hands on one? Best Sam
The watch looks better in the metal Sam..
especially the gorgeous blue dial! What a find! Your pin buckle set is pure class and I'm still looking for a case like that, which IMO displays the watches at their best. Had fun the other day. cheers fernando
Very neat watch....
I like some of the others in the group shot as well. Thanks for posting. Darren
Bravo, Sam. Now, if we want a very rare bird, we just have to ask you, since...
You have them all! Huge congratulatons, my friend. Best, Nicolas
I presume you know that
Ludovic was involved in Franck Muller's creation of Crazy Hours but I like this one better - easier to read. Regards, Sam
Beautiful watch!
I really like this creation. It's novel, but it has just the right amount of surprise to make it something quite special.
Very excellent choice Samwan.
I've been closely looking to this watch since I met LB in Paris last november. Every creteria I like are in green : Originality, aesthetics, technical displays ... Congratulations !
Crazy and sexy...
... I have fallen for the watch myself. Especially after I saw it at Basel fair yummie. I have not pulled the trigger yet, but let's see ;-) Btw, really nice collection you have Best Hans
Thank you. I now realized that nearly one-third
of my watches are from Independents. Perhaps that is an inevitable migration in this journey.... Regards, Sam
It's not greed . . .
. . . so long as you share them with us here on PuristSPro! Thanks, Sam. Msgr Ballard is as engaging personally as his watch is technically. Perhaps he'll blow all our minds one day with a perpetual along similar lines . . .
congrats Sam, it is a lovely watch with a funky complication
it is a piece i would be happy to just look at closely, buying one would be a dream come true for me. enjoy it Graham
Great first watch from a very nice guy ...
Congratulations Sam, Can you describe the blue dial more, or perhaps get some pictures in different light conditions in the coming weeks? In my recent review of the GP 1999 Chronograph I struggled with showing the true colour of the dial. Do you know what...
Thank you for the nice pictures Andrew
So you are the handsome-looking Japanese sitting next to Ludo? (just kidding) I promise to take some nicer pictures after this [wait till I get my Laurent Ferrier ] and I will ask my friend Ogygia to do it. The blue is a very subtle blue, a bit purple and...
The handsome one ...
... is unfortunately not me, Sam. I should have introduced him in the picture, but it is Ludovic's business partner Masaki 'Masa' Saito. Both of course worked with F.P.Journe and left to pursue their own watchmaking dreams. Whether Ludovic admits it or no...
Congrats!
I remember the first time I saw this on TM's wrist at a dinner and I thought it was a super clever concept. The movement side is actually more interesting to me. I think it's genius! I like Ludovic's new watch also. It was fun to meet him at IGOTT2 in Las...
huge congrats.
I am still relatively unconvinced about LB....its kjust a personal conviction issue. i am expecting the regular non enamel dial LF this 2 weeks...will write. about initial feeling thereafter. and what a fantastic set of watches in the last pic. Best, Horo
I like the enamel, but I am not sure if it is worth the high price premium.
Anyway, will keep u posted. Best, Horo
Looks like you love thisne a lot!
Sam I also bid on the same piece at auction. Did anyone NOT bid here?!?!! I saw that one here in HK preview but I didn't love the coloue combo so didn't chase it up with you! Enjoy your blue dial and like Andrew eagerly await your further pics of the blue...
Sam, happy for you...
... i also fell in love with this fantastic upside down watch when i first saw it at IGOTT2. stefan...