Introduction
Independent watchmaking is often associated with immaculate traditional finishing and highly refined movements, but Didier Joyard approaches the discipline from a very different direction. The French independent watchmaker creates highly individual mechanical objects with an intentionally raw, almost steampunk aesthetic, placing the workings of the watch at the centre of the design rather than concealing them behind a conventional dial. His watches appear only rarely on the market, with very little published information surrounding his production, making them an intriguing expression of independent watchmaking well outside the established names.
The Carrousel & Tourbillon N-00 offered here is an especially unusual example, identified by its N-00 designation and described at a previous auction as a unique model. Its substantial 46mm stainless steel case surrounds an extensively skeletonised mechanism incorporating both a carrousel and functional tourbillon, leaving virtually the entire mechanical architecture exposed. The industrial character continues through the gear-like bezel and visible components, giving the watch the appearance of a miniature mechanical machine rather than a traditional wristwatch.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
D. Joyard
Dimensions
46mm
Model
Carrousel & Tourbillon
Movement
Skeletonised mechanical movement with carrousel and tourbillon
Reference
N-00
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2024
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Box
Dial Color
Skeletonised
THE DIAL
There is effectively no conventional dial, with the openworked construction instead placing the mechanism itself on display. The extensively skeletonised architecture exposes the wheels, bridges and regulating mechanisms, while the carrousel and tourbillon provide constant animation and reinforce the intentionally mechanical character of Joyard's design.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring a substantial 46mm, the stainless steel case is designed around displaying rather than disguising its mechanics. A gear-patterned bezel surrounds the openworked movement, reinforcing Joyard's industrial aesthetic, while the large dimensions provide the necessary visual space for its unusual mechanical architecture.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good excellent condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and small nicks. The case back has well-defined engravings, with some corrosion along the lower edge. Exposed movement shows various signs of aging, including surface pitting and oxidation on the bridges, plates and components. The winding crown shows light surface marks. The hands are in excellent condition. It is fitted with a leather strap and Joyard-signed deployant clasp showing light surface marks. Comes with box. This manufacture appears to no longer be in business and future timekeeping and serviceability of this watch are not guaranteed.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
The appeal here is less about a familiar marque or established reference and more about discovering an obscure corner of contemporary independent watchmaking. Joyard's work is unapologetically mechanical, handmade in appearance and far removed from conventional haute horlogerie aesthetics. With its N-00 designation, unusual combination of carrousel and tourbillon and radically open construction, this is the sort of watch that offers something increasingly difficult to find: genuine eccentricity.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
