Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down Platinum Blue Dial

samwan · 2012-05-09T18:28:23Z

Explore the Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down in platinum with a unique blue dial. See detailed photos and community insights on this independent watch.

samwan

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

49 replies6110 views11 photos

Samwan's pursuit of the Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down in platinum, a piece unique with a mesmerizing blue dial, highlights the passion and dedication involved in acquiring a truly special independent timepiece. His journey, from being outbid at auction to finally securing a new piece, offers a relatable narrative for collectors navigating the high-stakes world of haute horlogerie. This post provides a rare glimpse into a unique watch and the vibrant community discussion it sparked.

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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

Key Points from the Discussion

The blue dial is a subtle, almost grayish-purple, and is considered by the author to be significantly more appealing than the black dial platinum version.
The Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down's case and dial finish show a strong influence from F.P. Journe, which is seen as a compliment given both Ludovic and his business partner Masaki Saito's backgrounds with F.P. Journe.
The movement side of the Upside Down is considered particularly ingenious and a testament to Ludovic Ballouard's watchmaking talent.
Another collector also bid on the same auction piece, indicating the high demand and competitive nature of acquiring such rare independent watches.
The author is actively seeking a Laurent Ferrier micro-rotor limited edition platinum enamel dial, indicating a continued interest in high-end independent watchmaking.
One collector, having previously owned the Upside Down, suggests considering the platinum Laurent Ferrier enamel dial micro-rotor limited edition of 18 pieces as a next acquisition.
The watch's distributor in Hong Kong is named 'Independence,' which is engraved on the movement.

The Discussion

Dream-W

May 9, 2012

It looks great! It is a Ruthenium movement? [nt]

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samwan

May 9, 2012

I believe coated steel. I will verify and let you know :) [nt]

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SALMANPK

May 9, 2012

Absolutely Sublime :-)

A Big Congrats and I love the Blue Dial S

SJX

May 9, 2012

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

samwan

May 9, 2012

Haha...this and the LF micro-motor are the two pieces I was determined to get [nt]

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optionc

May 9, 2012

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 awesome.

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