156Σ︎
Cédric Johner
Ref. 5390/3
Abyss Perpetuel
A very special and extremely limited pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with unusually shaped case, leap year indication, and moon phases, numbered 1
Estimate
$25,000–50,000
Manufacturer
Cédric Johner
Year
1999, Switzerland
Reference No
5390/3
Case No
No. 1
Model Name
Abyss Perpetuel
Material
18K pink gold
Calibre
Automatic, cal. CJ 90, jewelled
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
18K pink gold Cédric Johner deployant clasp
Dimensions
34mm width x 41mm length (lug to lug)
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
Accessories
Accompanied by Cédric Johner fitted presentation case and service receipt with envelope dating to 2024.
Full-Cataloguing
GOOD TO KNOW
• Extremely rare and never-before-seen at auction
• Number 1 of 3 pieces made in 1999
• Perpetual calendar in classic Cedric Johner case design
Cédric Johner may not be a household name (yet!) but he is part of the vanguard of pioneering independent watchmakers who opened their own eponymous brands in the 1990s. After a few years working as a jeweler, Johner set up his workshops in Geneva, presenting his first wristwatch in 1997. He heads a solo operation, manufacturing many of the components of the watches himself, without the aid of CAD or CNC.
His approach to watchmaking merged both his horological and jewelry background. He remained committed to tradition with the choice and implementation of his movements, but his cases were delightfully creative, unusual, and playful. He preferred to take on only small commissions, accepting personalized features and complications.
Made in 1999, only two years after the beginning of his atelier in Geneva, this reference 5390/3 is one of only 3 pieces ever made, and it is most importantly, numbered ‘1’.
Previous Johner perpetual calendars have been seen with retrograde functions, but this is the first instance at auction of this classic perpetual calendar layout. A similar watch, but with diamond-set white gold case, featured an Italian calendar but similar dial layout.
An exciting inclusion in this sale, following the appearance of his tourbillon ref. 2080/4 in Hong Kong, Phillips is pleased to present this pioneering and audacious wristwatch to the collecting community.
• Extremely rare and never-before-seen at auction
• Number 1 of 3 pieces made in 1999
• Perpetual calendar in classic Cedric Johner case design
Cédric Johner may not be a household name (yet!) but he is part of the vanguard of pioneering independent watchmakers who opened their own eponymous brands in the 1990s. After a few years working as a jeweler, Johner set up his workshops in Geneva, presenting his first wristwatch in 1997. He heads a solo operation, manufacturing many of the components of the watches himself, without the aid of CAD or CNC.
His approach to watchmaking merged both his horological and jewelry background. He remained committed to tradition with the choice and implementation of his movements, but his cases were delightfully creative, unusual, and playful. He preferred to take on only small commissions, accepting personalized features and complications.
Made in 1999, only two years after the beginning of his atelier in Geneva, this reference 5390/3 is one of only 3 pieces ever made, and it is most importantly, numbered ‘1’.
Previous Johner perpetual calendars have been seen with retrograde functions, but this is the first instance at auction of this classic perpetual calendar layout. A similar watch, but with diamond-set white gold case, featured an Italian calendar but similar dial layout.
An exciting inclusion in this sale, following the appearance of his tourbillon ref. 2080/4 in Hong Kong, Phillips is pleased to present this pioneering and audacious wristwatch to the collecting community.