Philippe Dufour | On Independence; Rolex & Lange; Watchmaking With Tim Mosso

A master of grand complications and hand-finishing, Philippe Dufour stands among the most revered watchmakers of all time. Though his brand-independent body of work amounts to several hundred bespoke watches under his own name, Dufour’s reputation and stature rank second to none in the small world of haut-de-gamme independent watchmaking.
In this feature, Dufour recounts his decades of innovation and uncompromising standards. The master watchmaker shares his insights regarding the advantages of independence, his passion as a collector for an elite handful of brands, and his occasional attempts to hire assistants for the Dufour atelier.
A native of the French-Swiss “watch valley” of northwest Switzerland, Dufour trained at the Ecole d’Horlogerie de la Vallée de Joux and spent the early years of his career working for Jaeger-LeCoultre, Gerald Genta and Audemars Piguet.
Dufour credits the thousands of hours restoring complicated pocket watches as the foundation for his mastery. Along with F.P. Journe, Kari Voutilainen, Michel Parmigiani, Peter Speake-Marin, and other master watchmakers of this era, Dufour regards restoration as the ultimate education. With neither technical documents nor access to the original constructor, a restoration watchmaker faces problem-solving challenges unknown to even elite students of watch schools.
As a watch collector, Philippe Dufour remains a man in the game. From his longtime A. Lange & Sohne Datograph - the “Dufourograph” - to the 2018 Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi” and an unexpected nod to German independent, NOMOS Glashutte, the watch veteran acknowledges the watches he most admires from other manufacturers.
In a special interview filmed during Dubai Watch Week 2019, Mr. Dufour opened up to Tim Mosso about challenges to his pride when working for another company, his uncompromising standard of excellence, and the questionable merits of silicon in watchmaking. Dufour recounts his personal journey from the heights of grand complications to his current philosophy of “simplicity” - both small and large “S” - and the joys of working without constraints.
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[@m0stafa]

The way Tim conducted this interview is outstanding, he has the knowledge, prepared well, asked interesting questions and gave Phillipe Dufour enough time to respond and express his thoughts without interruptions. Great work right there.

[@robsondiem]

Mostafa ElRouby EXACTLY!!!!!! This is one of those interviews which the interviwee was not interrupted by the interviewer at all. Brilliant

[@taxalexander253]

That takes grace!

[@akbarmukhamedjanov7323]

Tim, please next time more watch photos while your speaker talks. It will be interesting to watch what he made, while he talks

[@mikehoward9912]

Tim never ceases to amaze me. He possesses total recall memory and obviously a very good skill for asking the right questions. He appears genuine and very humble. Tim is also just plain cool. Keep up the outstanding content. Cheers

[@timur9429]

When Dufour comes around this dude even puts his glasses away..

[@haxx7128]

I was trying to work out what was different about him!! Really it’s time for the upside down sunglasses to go. In a few years, he’ll be looking back at those images of himself and shaking his head. But also, respect to Tim and the producers for organising and delivering this great interview. A huge thumbs up!!!

[@my2l]

@@the1916companywatchreviews where are u going tim? following dufour's footsteps?

[@haxx7128]

@@the1916companywatchreviews You're an asset to the online watch community. Whatever you choose to do, I hope we'll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour. All the best from Australia

[@timur9429]

WatchBox Reviews Come on Tim, it was just a Joke. Wear what you want and say what you want. Don‘t take my 2 cents too serious. To make you feel better I even apologize 😄👍. I don‘t watch your vids I clicked because of Dufour but if you will end your Videos I think you will let down your fans ;).

[@sirlancelot3109]

Well technically he stuck them in the palm tree. I guess the glasses are like his trademark or something?

[@para_bellum_1984]

This is the kind of video where I click "like" before it starts.

[@stevenuk]

yep.. me too.

[@asif9326]

same here. good to know im not the only one. lol.

[@amirjon]

Wei Koh, this is how you conduct an interview. Well done Tim.

[@valebliz]

The man is an egomaniac...

[@jashbhurjee6777]

Hey why do you say that?? Just curious never felt anything wrong

[@brendond.3158]

Are you a woman from B L M?...lol

[@McLaughter_]

“They treat my work as potatoes” Incredible...

[@underwood9584]

Lol

[@erikhaw7313]

Shoot, forgot he said that, kinda crazy. I guess that is the value in passion and making a living. I seem to be leaning towards wanting to support individuals rather than a black box...

[@michaelmoore9175]

Tim, you showed real reserve enabling Mr. Dufour to impart all of what was in his heart and mind, not be rudely interrupted as we often see in interviews now a days, both of you class acts, thanks !

[@SWatchik]

"You are the tourbillon" - a weirdly inspiring comment haha. What an amazing conversation. Thank you for the content

[@zestyfg]

Damn, all this time I had a Casio with a tourbillon.

[@erikhaw7313]

Yay for us!!

[@BG-ln7te]

The interview is great, but I hope it is just the first "teaser" and you do a one hour interview in your studio. I have watched all the Dufour interviews available on youtube, and Tim has done a fantastic job. You create a platform and patiently listen, yet all your questions are guiding the dialogue in a great direction. Thank you so much, pure pleasure.

[@domokun938]

Tim such a great presenter and also a great host.

[@erikhaw7313]

I like it when hosts are good listeners, it is a reflection of their desire to truly hear what the interviewee is saying.

[@lucioledizerot196]

Rolex and Nomos, the two favorite brands of one of the best watchmakers alive. Damn, loved that.

[@judeperera7529]

What an honest gentleman is Mr. Dufour. Tim, you got my 100% respect for the way you conducted this interview. Cheers from Sri Lanka

[@garysmith1477]

I loved the “Silicone” gesture 🤣. He’s such a humble and ambitious man. He doesn’t come across as arrogant like other entrepreneurs in Horology.

[@mcclechinois1213]

Gary Smith I suppose his gonna get an earful from his 4 daughters when he gets back home...

[@erikhaw7313]

Yes, I immediately took a liking to him and his work. Someday...if I can ever afford his watch.

[@erikhaw7313]

@@mcclechinois1213 haha

[@shamaldass241]

The Dato is still the dream...but that might be the best Nomos advertisement ever!!

[@dnlmoretti]

What does it say about Lange when the man himself is legitimately amazed by the work they do. Unbelievable interview. 🙏

[@thaiwatchdog]

I'm so happy to hear him shout out NOMOS. merci!

[@pilotstyle123]

A scholar and a gentleman, nothing but my respect and admiration for this man. Tim is a cool cat as always of course.

[@vicks.7377]

Tim you did a great job of interviewing Mr. Dufour by letting him finish his thoughts without interrupting then following up with your comments or the next question. It is refreshing to see that as many interviewers tend to interrupt speakers and are eager to share their knowledge for cool points. Keep these one on one interviews with industry legends coming. Thanks

[@barrylattuca5352]

Vick S. You had the exact same thought I did. That interview should be a case study on how an interview should be conducted. It is the rare personality that is willing to let the other person shine.

[@nielsnielsen9013]

@@barrylattuca5352 completely ego free. Very admirable. And in a way, it shows a greater and more confident person to let someone shine before you.

[@jensfiehler4716]

Amazing: "Lange Datograph. ... I am still waiting for the Swiss to respond."

[@erikhaw7313]

Shocked when he said that, hah.

[@SuperCidalFilms]

It’s so cool that his daughter is following his footsteps, hopefully we can have something to look forward to in the future

[@tomhouston7767]

Tim - Bravo my friend. First Dowling, now Dufour. And your interviewing style is the best I’ve ever seen. Plant the seed and let the guest go. Can’t remember a better interview watch related or not. I learned a lot today, 30 min well spent thanks to you.🤘

[@sulttaani]

The best 25 minutes I've ever spent on KZbin

[@danehardinge8801]

Tim you are becoming a fantastic interviewer, sympathetic, knowledgeable and informed and able to steer the interview where it needs to go. Well done.Extremely enjoyable.

[@zetoch]

So happy for Tim that he’s been able to make this exciting interview. I hope that the transition from Mr Dufour to his daughter will be successful. He’s a real gem in the watchmaking industry.

[@keekeefries6298]

So this is why Tim is the best. Does not interrupt his guest and allows things to unfold. True class!

[@RomeroLins]

Great video! Loved when he said he calls no one for a watch, he goes to the shop and buy it, he even was on a list for a Rolex! what an amazing man.

[@csanadbarczy9153]

Jeweler here, we have the same problem in the high end jewelry industry. Assemble part that are made on CAD and printed and cast. Only thing they care about if it's polished nicely and make sure there is no porosity on metal surface. Great video!

[@ttaylans]

I listened this with a Nomos on my wrist and very surprised with his comments at the end of the video right after Rolex and Lange :) So true that Nomos is such a different approach to watchmaking in every sense and they know how to make a client feel welcomed and happy.

[@paulodr33]

When he mentioned Nomos, I was like OOHHHH DAMN. Finally something I can potentially afford.

[@danchapman5944]

I love that he mentioned Nomos. So refreshing to hear someone of this calibre not only mention the mega-brands! Awesome video Tim, just simply awesome!

[@benficaM8888]

The greatest watchmaker alive is such humble guy. and i love how he's not precious and gatekeeping his skills. Helping Grand seiko and credor setup their shop, training people in Japan.

[@riccardo7893]

I confess to having watched this on several occasions, This interview will never get old. I tip my hat to you Tim.

[@tondo6912]

Well done Tim What a delight when the interviewer actually cares about the interviewees opinion. Also you let him speak a delight and I hope the first of many.

[@vincentlarnicol6484]

totally agree!!!!

[@Calvinbui09]

best interview in the whole watch industry

[@Sebastian85]

I had the cance to visit with him the watch museum in Glashütte in 2017. I will never forget this very special moment.

[@Theo-ul8qm]

I can only imagine how Tim felt getting the honor to interview mr. Dufour. So happy for him, and a fascinating interview of course. I actually had no idea the duality came before the simplicity. Only gets more facintaing the more you learn.

[@nssomething8370]

Great interview. Thanks for producing stuff like this!

[@hellotabasco]

Two legends together! what else can we ask for, excellent video Tim! keep it up, cheers!!!

[@mikesmith6543]

Very interesting interview. I was literally tuned in to every word. I'd very much like to see more interviews with legends in the industry and listen to their stories. Very well done Tim, thank you.

[@arthurliberian3395]

Epic video! Great content and thoroughly enjoyed that. Great work Tim on interviewing the watchmaking legend, he’s so humble and intriguing

[@michaelmichaels471]

Tim this is an absolutely amazing interview with one of my idols, thank you. I remember the day I knocked on this mans door, it was snowing like hell in Vallie de Joux and my knees were shaking at the thought he might answer it.

[@gmshadowtraders]

15:08 - "I am very disappointed about the young generation" - He doesn't mince his words does he. Beautifully put.

[@mattyreardon3593]

Great interview. This is why love vintage horology way more than modern any day. I'd love to see Mr Dufours watch making in action.

[@robertschmidt9584]

I’ve met two people that have met him at his home on separate occasions. Quite possibly the purest man of heart and humility, but also that of the meaning and art of watchmaking!

[@travelman158]

I always come back to this amazing interview. I just love these intimate conversations. Tim your knowledge of watches and the respected you show towards the great watch masters is amazing. Please do more of these type of interviews with other great independent watch masters.

[@johnburgess6572]

Magnificent interviewing skills...Philippe was comfortable and got in a great uninterrupted flow. Thank you

[@PT-xx9jz]

Hi Tim, Short comment to let you know I appreciate this content. The format , the questions , your high class invité made my day.

[@GadgetyMV]

Fabulous, both in terms of the interview style, asking a question and allowing your guest to respond, fully, before coming with the next question, and in terms of Mr Dufour's replies. Just wow! Very, very enjoyable. Thank you!

[@achuck4321]

Lovely interview! Really really enjoy this content. PD is a legend and I love his raw style.

[@terrystubbsjnr]

What a brilliant interview and super interesting. I was so pleased when he mentioned Nomos too.

[@pleon6112]

A great interview. A gentleman of his profession. He defines classic watchmaking. The experience and knowledge that this man holds is unprecedented. Thank you for sharing this interview.

[@sumei2668]

Superb and delightful interview. I loved how you drew him out. I wish the interview was longer... He is indeed a revered watchmaker - it'd be a dream to meet with him one day.

[@0dium.]

a master of his craft. thank you for the love of what you do Mr. Dufour !

[@neilwade9870]

What a fantastic interview with the BEST. Love it 👍👍

[@MrVoayer]

Philippe Dufour... Treasure trove of knowledge and experience ! Great interview!

[@nolinchitnis]

It was beautiful listening to him. So much to learn from these masters of their art and trade. I wish more watchmakers could feel inspired just hearing him speak.

[@herbmerced7780]

Aww man! Outstanding interview....acutely interesting....I love the way Tim just let him speak while asking the right questions....

[@kaiserphoenix01]

I have to applaud the quality of questions by Tim, very interesting questions. Well done Philippe WB and Tim Mosso!

[@BenTramer]

Great interview Tim. Great questions and gave lots of space for Mr Dufour to express himself. Impressed with Mr Dufour's principals and humility.

[@camagalis]

Awesome show, Tim. More of this! It's fun to hear stories of successful artisans in any space. Sharing these stories in the world is important. Not many people get enough exposure to this sort of thing, due to accessibility. Also, nice outfit -- looking sharp.

[@DanteMiami]

I found myself sitting at the edge of my seat awaiting and devouring each word from the master. Well done, Tim! What must it have felt like for you to sit across from him and discuss his craft and illustrious career. I imagine having a similar feeling doing the same with David Souter or RGB!

[@sriramsrinivasan4533]

One of the most impressive interviews!! Superb!!!

[@AaronDAntoni]

Thank you for this. Keeping his words alive in vital for inspiration.

[@seltenfotog3115]

Absolutely the best interviewer in the watch community! Great format, Love this!

[@jamesmurphy7638]

Wow. Great interview with a great guy. As an entrepreneur I understand his struggles with personnel, with attaining the correct results, and even kids involved with the business. He is so relatable and I love the honesty and insights on Rolex and Nomos. I’m far more likely now to investigate Nomos now.

[@saulysw]

Fantastic and fascinating interview. I really appreciate the fact the Tim let the man talk and take his time to get his points across in full. Too often these things are rushed, abbreviated and the interviewer seems to think they need more talk time than the interviewee. You could feel the genuine respect here. Very nice.

[@deech2086]

Remarkable job with everything here Tim. Your patience, your tone, and listening skills. I could listen to him talk for hours. What a wealth of knowledge. A bonus that he certainly seemed to enjoy himself and the conversation. Bravo.

[@jubeeju]

Many thanks for sharing Tim. Great video. Great Man.

[@randyallen2771]

Wonderful show Tim, love to see programs that take a really deep dive into watchmaking by talking to the masters on a personal level. All too often youtube consists fan boys of a brand droning on about what their chosen brand should do or what the market will do as an investment. I'd much rather see someone talk about watchmaking. The European channels tend to be better at getting close to the essence of this. Thank you for your efforts in bringing this sort of thing to us this is great work ( and a good way to spend Sunday morning).

[@terminalarray1047]

You give excellent interviews Tim. You don't interrupt and show so much respect. It's breath of fresh air coming from some other watch channels. I hope you keep doing these when possible.

[@Garrycamden]

I live about 1 1/2 hours from the Lititz school. I wish I would of found out about horology when I was young. I'd would of definitely change my career path.

[@stoneriverwatches]

I definitely appreciate Dufour’s honesty and transparency which is so rare in the industry these day. Great interview from years ago

[@The_Lord_Of_Confusion]

thank you very much for this amazing interview

[@Nefville]

I started watch collecting about a month ago and even I know Dufour.

[@davelee9791]

Great Interview Tim ..Phillipe A true Master of his Art.

[@DebmalyaSinha]

A delightful crash course on how to conduct an interview or, how to talk to people infinitely smarter/accomplished than you. Tim's balance of a subdued revere and respect without being overly enthusiastic is a refreshing treat to watch. Every question was on-point and perfectly timed without being invasive, meandering or interrupting. Tim, I learned something today! Thank you.

[@shahorology3275]

Amazing video, especially since even modern-day watchmakers didn't know how the old masters did it and had to learn. thanks, guys

[@Stettenbauer]

Wow ! That was awesome, so glad you just let him talk.

[@davidw7125]

Great interview.

[@slapshot0074]

Great interview ,Tim. Really good to see the focus on the guest rather than the presenter,which is all too rare these days. All the best

[@dreamst]

Brilliant interview so glad to have ventured to Dubai Watch Week, look forward to next year.

[@tofuamour]

Not only is Tim a great speaker but also an amazing listener.

[@ref6122]

Terrific interview . It made me re think my acceptance of silicon in watch movements.Also I want to check out Nomos.

[@bendmountainbiker]

Outstanding Tim. Love this.

[@djz2308]

Among my ten most favorite videos on KZbin

[@ulrichfriehe3459]

I could listen to this wonderful man all day long, thank you very much.

[@UnNamedTrucker]

Such a great interview. What a great watchmaker and a great interviewer.

[@SwissWatchGang]

awesome interview! Well done!

[@domokun938]

Tim + Philippe Dufour= instant thumbs up before even watching the video.

[@MartyP-lr7vw]

Such an interesting interview - thanks to both Phillipe & Tim.

[@officialMainspring]

true master and a gentleman. one of the greatest watch maker of our time. If I win the lotto I'm adding a Defour to the collection. fantastic interview. Thank you!

[@sneida]

My favorite video on this channel so far. Not wearing the ridiculous sunglasses for the first time also helped to make it more pleasant for the eye. Thanks

[@dufferjuice]

Great interview! Thanks you for sharing.

[@christophermedeiros1806]

Great interview Tim Mosso

[@csmcilwain]

The living legend of watchmaking!!

[@d3vilfish80]

I love your interviews, Tim!

[@petestimepiecesafari]

Great interview! Bravo and thank you!

[@jorgesalazar9023]

Outstanding interview, too performance of Tim!! Chapeau!! Btw you showed you can shine without your green shades ;)

[@1000lightyrs]

Beautiful interview, I love this man's thinking. My own desire to do things perfectly prevents me from doing anything really. Thankfully there are people in this world who accept the challenge. Reminds me of a famous quote... “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”

[@ericrebhan8041]

Great job TIM !! You’re so talented brother

[@upouralleymusic1225]

Awesome interview, so interesting to hear what he has purchased for his collection as well.

[@juniortoledo8088]

Great interview Tim. I like Mr. Dufour humbleness.