Ludovic Ballouard - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Ludovic Ballouard is a watch brand founded in 2009 in Geneva (Switzerland) by the French watchmaker of the same name; after years at F.P. Journe and Franck Muller, he launched singular jumping displays—Upside Down (2009) and Half Time (2012)—produced in very small series. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Upside Down: a manifesto that flips time

On the Upside Down, all twelve hour numerals are printed inverted and only the current hour flips upright—there is no hour hand—so the reading recentres attention on the present. It uses a proprietary manual mechanism with instantaneous switching; first pieces were delivered in December 2009. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Half Time and a retrograde minute: the other face of jumping time

Introduced in 2012, the Half Time employs two counter-rotating discs that form a legible numeral only at 12 o’clock, with minutes shown on a retrograde arc at 6; it’s a more complex take on the founding idea while keeping the display uncluttered. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

• Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down — Jumping-time via flipping numerals; first creation (Dec. 2009).
• Ludovic Ballouard Half Time — Split numerals re-formed at 12; retrograde minutes.
• Harry Winston Opus XIII — Collaboration (2013): ultra-jumping minutes/hours display devised by L. Ballouard. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Path and workshop: from F.P. Journe to Avusy

Before going solo, he spent seven years at F.P. Journe (assembling the Sonnerie Souveraine) after a stint at Franck Muller; that path—seven years at F.P. Journe and a workshop in Avusy, Geneva—underpins a blend of rigour and whimsy. The atelier (Route de Grenand, 1285 Avusy) operates at very low volume with a handful of selected retail partners. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Positioning, pricing and distribution

Production is confidential, by order and in limited series; as guidance, a recent Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down listed around USD 100,000–110,000 depending on execution and market, with selective availability via specialist retailers in Switzerland and abroad. Official volume figures are undisclosed. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Conclusion

Ludovic Ballouard appeals to collectors seeking rarity with crystal-clear concepts and sophisticated mechanics, where poetic use matters as much as architecture. The identity is defined by contrarian jumping displays and small-atelier finishing. Between the more immediate Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down and the more “coded” Ludovic Ballouard Half Time, your choice hinges on preferred reading and symbolism. To square promise with daily wear (clarity, comfort, regulation), rely on Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)