F.P. Journe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2002
    Case No: 191-02T
    Model Name: Tourbillon Souverain
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1498, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F. P. Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F. P. Journe Certificat D’Authenticite confirming its delivery to United States in 2002, instruction manual, cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Fascinated by tourbillon watches, Francois Paul Journe decided to transpose Abraham-Louis Breguet’s invention into a wristwatch but also to improve it with the addition of a remontoire system - a constant force device used to provide an equal amount of energy disregarding the winding level of the mainspring, thus resulting in greater accuracy and amplitude. The first prototype was completed in 1991 with little, if any fanfare from the industry. He revisited his tourbillon wristwatch in 1999 in order to fund the launch of his eponymous brand as a Souscription series for his first twenty tourbillon wristwatches, each individually numbered on the dial and offered to his close friends and clients. A piece of horological history and deemed as grails to many, these tourbillons have been extremely sought in the market as exemplified in our PHILLIPS Geneva Auction XIV with the first No. 1 Souscription Tourbillon Souverain achieving an astonishing result of 3.5 million CHF.

    As exceptional as its first generation of Souscription Tourbillon Souverain, the early collection fitted with a brass movement can be distinguished into a total of four generations with particular nuance that made them spectacular with a small production run as follow:

    1st Generation - Souscription (1999) 20 examples in platinum
    2nd Generation (1999) estimated run of 17 examples in platinum
    3rd Generation (1999-2001) estimated run of 60 examples in platinum and pink gold
    4th Generation (2001-2003) estimated run of 320 examples in platinum and pink gold

    Engraved No. 191/02T, the present specimen from 2002 can be identified as part of the fourth generation of Journe’s Tourbillon Souverain with brass movements. Measuring at 38mm in diameter, these fourth generations were produced between 2001 until 2003 with an estimated run of 320 examples. Cased only in platinum and pink gold, these timepieces were offered with dial plates from the most common yellow gold, followed by white gold, and like the present example in pink gold as being the rarest variation. Its distinctive feature includes the implementation of flat remontoir balance cock and smaller dial screws compared to the 3rd generation. It is also worth noting that the caseback had deeper engravings, as well as screws that changed from normal flatheads to three notched holt heads screws.

    Preserved in absolutely stunning condition shimmering in the warmth of the pink gold dial in contrast with the coolness of the white metal, the present example is accompanied with its period correct presentation box and literature, and was delivered to United States in 2002 as confirmed by its certificate of authenticity. Kept in private collection and reappearing in the auction market after 8 years, the present rare specimen still preserved in immaculate condition will sure excite Journe collectors everywhere.

  • Artist Biography

    F.P. Journe

    Swiss • 1999

    Founded by watchmaker François-Paul Journe in 1999, the F.P. Journe brand is relatively young, but already is as highly regarded by collectors as many distinguished manufacturers with centuries-old heritage. In the minds of the world's savviest collectors, Journe is producing some of the finest wristwatches the market has ever seen. Mastering his craft from restoring historical timepieces, he was the first to create a wristwatch incorporating two escapements that benefit from the phenomenon of resonance — the Chronomètre à Résonance.

    Key models include the Résonance, tourbillon wristwatches incorporating a remontoir and the limited edition Vagabondage series. Especially sought-after are his earliest "souscription" watches, made in 1999.

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Please note, this Lot is a Premium Lot. To bid on the Lot you must complete and satisfy our Premium Lot pre-registration procedure no later than 24 hours before the start of the Auction session in which it is offered. Please also note that all bidders must place bids in person, via absentee bid, or by telephone. Please contact the Department for details.

Σ✱856

An extremely rare, attractive and important platinum tourbillon wristwatch with remontoir d’egalité, brass movement and presentation box

Circa 2002
38mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$1,150,000 - 1,950,000 
€147,000-248,000
$147,000-250,000

Sold for HK$3,654,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022