Housed in a 38mm stainless steel case, the present Tourbillon Souverain was part of an exclusive set of five limited-edition timepieces, created to commemorate the discontinuation of Journe’s early 38mm creations. While other pieces in the set share movements similar to their regular production counterparts, this tourbillon boasts a distinctive movement. Early F.P. Journe tourbillons (1999-2003) featured conventional brass movements with the Remontoir d’Egalité, but without a dead-seconds complication. Paying homage to his original design, Journe masterfully combines both elements in this 2015 stainless steel tourbillon, resulting in a movement mechanically identical to the first-generation brass cal. 1498, but enhanced with pink gold bridges and base plate. This makes the 38-piece limited edition steel tourbillons remarkably rare and highly sought-after.

The gold dial is a study in harmony and restraint. Its warm bronze hue provides a grounded backdrop against which each indication is rendered with exceptional clarity. The one-second remontoir d’égalité sits in perfect vertical alignment with the hours and minutes, symbolically positioning the constant-force mechanism at the very core of timekeeping. The navy dial printings—exclusive to the steel set—lend a subtle touch of contrast and distinction. Through two generous apertures, the observer is treated to a captivating mechanical performance: the tourbillon, the remontoir, and the delicate perlage, each executed with the meticulous finesse that defines Journe’s hand.

Numbered 22/38, and freshly serviced by F.P. Journe, the present watch offers connoisseurs a chance to possess a timepiece that bridges the maison’s genesis with its modern mastery. Notably, Phillips is honored to present the Chronomètre à Résonance from the same steel set in the next lot, Lot 70. Together, they encapsulate two of F.P. Journe’s most emblematic achievements. Anecdotally, the Number 22 set was the final steel set available at the New York boutique, purchased by a collector in 2018. The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity and the tailor-made F.P. Journe wooden presentation box (Lot 71), designed to house all five watches of the set, will be gifted should the same discerning collector acquire both lots—a fitting tribute to the unity of this historic collection.