Ludovic Ballouard is one of the rare independent watchmakers who blends classical mastery in Swiss horology with unconventional ideas. A French-born watchmaker, Ballouard began his career working for prestigious brands such as F.P. Journe, known for producing high complication watches. This experience not only taught him the intricacies of traditional watchmaking but also how to push boundaries. In 2009, he established his own brand and developed a production philosophy that brings a personal perspective to technical horology.
The brand’s most iconic model, the Upside Down, completely reinterprets the classic perception of a watch. In this model, only the current hour is displayed upright while all other hour indicators appear upside down. At the top of every hour, a complex mechanism activates to update all indicators, showing only the correct time in an upright position. This technical sophistication is not only about mechanical precision, but also closely tied to the concept of living in the moment and focusing on the “now.”
Another key model, the Half Time, displays time by aligning split numbers positioned on two rotating discs. This mechanism challenges visual perception and the way time is read, requiring focused attention. Both models aim to establish an unconventional relationship between the wearer and the watch; one doesn’t simply observe the display, but rather deciphers it.
Ludovic Ballouard’s timepieces are handcrafted in a small Swiss atelier, produced in limited numbers, and subjected to meticulous quality control under the direct supervision of the master. Rather than appealing to the masses, the brand targets collectors who view watchmaking as a conceptual object and seek intellectual meaning through mechanical innovation.
Seemingly simple, but profoundly thoughtful in its philosophy… Each Ballouard timepiece encourages reflection on time itself, going beyond measurement to become a quiet, elegant, and inquisitive statement.
