The Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation is donating a scanner to the Vallée Hospital. Although this region has a worldwide reputation thanks to its watchmaking industry, it is struggling to maintain its health infrastructure and public services.
Press release selected by Joël A. Grandjean / @TRP, Public Relations Cabinet
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The Joux Valley? This is where the Dufour family lives, in a Swiss mountain valley that is home to thousands of residents of the Vallée de Joux and where the hospital has been established for nearly a century. It’s also where the master watchmaker, winner of the 1998 Gaïa Prize, was born in 1948!
Model and… necessary health centre
It has become a recognised health center, serving the regional population with comprehensive healthcare facilities, including a medical center, maternity ward, 24/7 emergency room, and integrated community care such as home healthcare services and an elderly care facility.
With a significant but isolated population (7,000 residents and over 8,000 cross-border workers daily), this hospital plays a crucial role in the regional healthcare infrastructure. The stakes are high, especially in maintaining 24/7 emergency services.
Today, the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation announces the donation of a scanner to the Vallée de Joux Hospital, in partnership with the Paul-Edouard Piguet Foundation and the Louis Napoléon Foundation. This donation reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting urgent humanitarian needs both locally and internationally, including projects in Madagascar and Peru focusing on community aid and education.
Doctor’s opinion
Dr. Naiken, Medical Director and Chief Surgeon of the Vallée de Joux Health Center, commented: “The Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation is our largest donor. Thanks to the scanner funded in partnership with the Paul-Edouard Piguet Foundation and the Louis Napoléon Foundation, our hospital now has essential technical equipment for reliable diagnostics, offering crucial time savings and better patient care, especially in life-threatening situations. This scanner arrives at an opportune moment in our hospital planning, enabling us to meet the criteria for maintaining 24/7 emergency services.”
Since the installation of the scanner in February, the Vallée de Joux Health Center has already conducted 296 exams.
It is a relief for both the local population and our medical team, who can avoid transferring patients far from their homes“
Dufour family, a strong connection
Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour stated: “Our family has a strong connexion with this hospital, and we know how much this establishment is supported by a fantastic team, led by Dr. Naiken, who dedicates his energy and skills to keeping it operational for the entiere Vallée de Joux population. We need to maintain a hospital here with 24/7 emergency services. Thanks to this scanner, we can detect, identify, and treat more effectively, saving many families from long distances and separation. Our goal was to contribute to this hospital, and we are happy to do so.”
“Helping, giving, and supporting are important human actions that demonstrate our solidarity with those in need”
These actions can have a significant impact and bring hope and comfort”
“It is important to remember that even small actions can positively impact others’ lives. We do not claim to solve all problems, but we sincerely wish to do what we can to provide solutions, equipment, and support by contributing our part. As the saying goes, Small streams make big rivers.”
The Dufour family thanks all their friends and partners, especially Claude Sfeir, who was present at a critical time, and all their clients and horology enthusiasts without whom the Foundation would not have been possible.
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Born in Switzerland in 1948, Philippe Dufour graduated from the Vallée de Joux Watchmaking School in 1967 and began his career repairing and restoring antique pocket watches. In 1982, his excellence led Audemars Piguet to commission five Grande Sonnerie pocket watch movements, the last delivered in 1988.
In 1992, building on his mastery of the Grande Sonnerie complication, Philippe Dufour presented the world’s first wristwatch to feature a minute repeater movement comprising both a Grande and Petite Sonnerie – one of the most challenging horological complications to construct, especially in terms of fitting it into the confines of a wristwatch case. Following the success of this extraordinary world first, which marked a turning point in the recognition of his supreme watchmaking talent and the establishment of the Philippe Dufour brand, his next model, named ‘Duality,’ was launched in 1996 as the first wristwatch with a double escapement. In 2000, Philippe Dufour introduced ‘Simplicity,’ his most well-known model among collectors and the only current production model.
In July 2022, Philippe Dufour transformed his sole proprietorship into Philippe Dufour SA, with 100% of the capital still exclusively held by the Dufour family. The company has maintained total financial independence since its inception, with no external financing or partners.
Today, Philippe Dufour SA is the only legal entity for selling Philippe Dufour watches, marketed directly to collectors and clients.
For inquiries, please write here.
On June 3, 2023, Philippe Dufour celebrated his 75th birthday at the Hôtel des Horlogers in the Vallée de Joux. This significant event for one of the greatest living watchmakers took on an international dimension with the announcement of the creation of the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation.
The Dufour Foundation, a non-profit organisation, was established to support the most pressing humanitarian needs worldwide. In the words of Mr. and Mrs. Dufour: “Helping, giving, and supporting are important human actions that demonstrate our solidarity with people in distress. These actions can significantly impact our fellow human beings and bring them hope and comfort. It is important to remember that even small actions can positively affect others’ lives. Being human means having the capacity for empathy and compassion towards the underprivileged and seeking ways to help and support them in their daily lives. We wanted a philanthropic foundation that is open to all the great challenges facing a world whose future might seem bleak. There are urgent needs, whether humanitarian, environmental, educational, or public health-related. We do not claim to be able to solve all problems, but we sincerely wish to do what we can to alleviate the suffering and despair of the most disadvantaged by contributing our part. As the saying goes, Small streams make big rivers.”
These situations include access to food, water, healthcare, housing, education, and environmental support. The Foundation has already established fundraising programs for various projects.
The Dufour Foundation hopes to be the beginning of a “passionate human and philanthropic journey that, we hope, will make a positive difference in the world.” They are encouraged in the knowledge of having “loyal clients and watchmaker friends… who could provide valuable assistance in this endeavour,” and they are “convinced that, together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need our help.”
The Founders – Philippe & Elisabeth Dufour
The journey of Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour has been marked by challenges. Their incredible determination to overcome the obstacles they faced has allowed them to achieve their dreams and become role models for others.
Persevering despite the difficulties encountered is essential for success in life. It is important to keep one’s goals in mind and show determination and resilience in the face of obstacles.
Their journey is a source of inspiration for all those who seek to achieve their goals and make a difference in the world. Their determination, perseverance, and philanthropic commitment are qualities that can guide us on the path to personal and collective success and well-being.
Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour are the founders of the board of directors, with Maricela Lancoud and Daniela Dufour as members.
