Ludovic Ballouard Half Time

Having worked with revered watchmaker François-Paul Journe for seven years, Ludovic Ballouard founded his eponymous brand in 2009. Since then he has exhibited the quintessential characteristics of a truly Independent Watchmaker, through his ability to invent astoundingly complex pieces with unique time indications.

With his second creation, the remarkable Half Time watch, Ludovic Ballouard provides an eccentric view on the importance of living in the moment through the use of two sophisticated complications.

This edition of the Half Time watch combines the luxury of an 18-carat Red Gold case with a dial of the richest blue, but on closer inspection, one could be forgiven for being momentarily confused. Around the perimeter, where one would normally find a traditional and orderly distribution of numerals, there is unexpected chaos.

Each Roman numeral has in fact been dissected, and the top and bottom half of each has been painted onto two concentric discs. As the discs rotate in opposite directions, the correct two halves join together to form the current hour, which appears in an aperture at 12 o’clock.

The movement, which occurs in an instant, provides a compelling and thought-provoking spectacle and, while it leaves the remaining numbers in an incomprehensible, yet elegant, disorder, it reminds its wearer that only the present moment should take precedence

At odds with the irregularity at the perimeter of the dial, on the lower sector, the formality of traditional time indication dominates. Here a vivid blue retrograde minutes hand travels to and fro along its beautifully hand-finished red gold arc.

The Ludovic Ballouard Half Time Blue/White watch carries a 41mm 18-carat Red Gold case. Meticulous hand-polishing enhances the curved profile of its rounded case and flowing lugs. The atypically located crown features the Ludovic Ballouard signature.

Inside, the Ludovic Ballouard manual-winding Calibre B02 which has been manufactured and assembled in-house at his own workshop has a power reserve of 35 hours. The complexities of its patented complications can be appreciated through the sapphire crystal case back.

---