F.P. Journe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2014
    Reference No: T30
    Case No: No 22/99
    Model Name: Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique
    Material: 18K pink gold and silver
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1412, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold F. P. Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F. P. Journe certificate stamped Montres F. P. Journe Japan dated 21st August 2014, service invoice, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A prelude of an independent watchmaker is never plain sailing, often as solitary artisan fighting for their vision to be acknowledged for their works, expressing the uncompromising creativity that are truly unique and of extreme beauty. Their success deserves the greatest respect in preserving the art of horology and innovating for the generations to come.

    To truly appreciate the beauty and importance of the F. P Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30, it is hard not to mention the first ever watch that marks the beginning of Mr. Francois Paul Journe’s story. A first to bear his name on the dial, not just any pocket watch, but one that has a tourbillon and spring detent escapement made all by a pair human-hands. This brings us back to 1977, at the age of 20 of the young apprentice to his uncle Michel Journe, where he was exposed to some of the greatest forerunners of watchmaking Abraham-Louis Breguet and George Daniels, notably these tourbillons were often seen with one of Michel’s top client Sir Cecil Clutton. With incredible fascination while lacking the funds to acquire one for himself, the rebellious young Journe took the challenge and decided to make one himself. Taking five years to complete until 1983, signed “F.P. Journe A Paris” on the dial, this pocket watch in many ways pays tribute to his inspirations with sublime aesthetics such as the obvious oversized blued screws on the movement, and would later become blueprints of his wristwatches.

    Fast forwarding to 2013 with immense success of his eponymous brand, F. P. Journe celebrated his remarkable beginning with the Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30, the 30th anniversary of his first ever creation. Made for his friends and important clients only 99 pieces were ever produced, making this a truly rare gem. Elegant in proportion at 40mm diameter, the combination of sterling silver with engine turned guilloche details, pink gold bezel and hunter caseback mirroring the original pocket watch in grace. Uncluttered with simplicity exhibiting a fine granular white dial with engraved Roman numerals and railway tracks, the signature “Invenit et Fecit” is inscribed as a nod to the conventions a century ago. Perfect in every detail, the blued hands and screws on the dial side echoes what is hidden beneath this timepiece harmoniously. Turning the watch over, the guilloché decorated hinged caseback reveals the drop dead gorgeous gilt brass movement accented by highly polished and beveled edges with bridges, plates and large blued screws reminiscent of 19th century Breguet pocket watches. Its proportion? Simply divine.

    Highly coveted the T30 presented is numbered 22 of a limited edition of 99 pieces, one of which to be the earliest example to ever appear in the auction market. Beautifully aged with an extremely attractive patina on its silver case, the timepiece is accompanied with its original certificate and box. Till this day, the T30 is one of two tourbillon models ever produced by Journe where the movement is hidden from the front of the watch. A retrospective by the watchmaker, a tribute to passion, a grail and toast to humble beginnings, this present T30 is one of the most important timepieces that Journe collectors need.

  • 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.

    View More Works

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841

Ref. T30
An extraordinarily rare, inventive and historically important silver and pink gold limited edition tourbillon wristwatch with hinged caseback, certificate and presentation box, numbered 22 of a limited edition of 99 pieces

Circa 2014
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$1,180,000 - 2,400,000 
€140,000-285,000
$151,000-308,000

Sold for HK$3,024,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)