An original concept and technically very interesting the Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down watch is a watch that I’ve been wanting to write about for a while.
The Upside Down watch has a rather unique way of indicating time, but despite this is still easy to read. The dial features simple numbered hour markers but what makes it unusual is that only the current hour marker is displayed the correct way up, all 11 others are flipped upside down! A small dot also helps lead the eye to the current hour marker. Its a mixture of the traditional and whimsical.
Ludovic Ballouard decided to create his own brand after having worked at Franck Muller and more recently F.P Journe where he played an important role in the creation of the complex and technically challenging Sonnerie Souveraine. No doubt the creation of the Upside Down was also technically no easy task.
Technical
The simplicity of the dials appearance obscures the complex technical aspect of the watch which is made apparent when viewing it from the rear. One of the reasons this is the first watch of this kind to be made is down to the technical difficulties involved.
The movement is a modified Perseux 7001 calibre, manual winding and consisting of 228 pieces with a power reserve of 40 Hours.
When the minute hand reaches the 12 o`clock position the previous hour marker turns upside down and the current hour marker simultaneously turns the right way up, in jumping hour fashion. This happens instantaneously and is imperceptible to the eye. The movement uses Maltese crosses and a snail cam to achieve this. The video below helps give a clearer understanding.
The discs used in the UR-103 models by Urwerk also employ Maltese crosses for control. They are considered an efficient solution since they require minimal power and are very low friction.
The case measures 41mm in diameter and is 11mm thick, with a titanium dial and hand engraved crown. All in all a very impressive timepiece. Further information at Ludovic Ballouard and his facebook page.
Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down Watch Specifications
Movement
Calibre B01 / Patented “Upside Down”
complication developed by Ludovic Ballouard
Manual winding
Power reserve / Approximately 40 hours
Balance frequency / 21,600 bph/3hz.
Number of jewels / 51
Number of components / 228 (movement only)
Diameter / 35mm/15.5 lignes
Functions
Hours indicated by the correct hour being right-side up,
whereas all other numbers are upside down.
Minutes indicated by central blued steel hand.
Small seconds at 6 o’clock.
Case
Case and hand engraved crown in 950 platinum
Dimensions / 41mm x 11mm
Lugs / milled from solid platinum with case
Water resistance / 30 metres/3ATM
Dial and Hands
Titanium Dial & blued steel hands
Strap and Buckle
Black hand-stitched alligator with patented hand
engraved 950 platinum buckle.
Travel pouch hand stitched from the same leather as the strap.
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