63Σ︎
F.P. Journe
Tourbillon Souverain "Ruthenium"
A coveted and barely worn platinum tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve display, remontoire d’egalité, ruthenium dial, and ruthenium-coated movement with box and certificate, numbered 98 of a 99 piece limited edition
Estimate
CHF300,000–600,000
€325,000–650,000
$376,000–751,000
Live 9 May, 2 PM Switzerland Time
Manufacturer
F.P. Journe
Year
2003
Case No
98/99-01T
Model Name
Tourbillon Souverain "Ruthenium"
Material
Platinum
Calibre
Manual, cal. 1498, 25 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Alligator
Clasp/Buckle
18k white gold F.P Journe deployant clasp
Dimensions
40mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by F.P Journe Certificate dated April 01, 2003, additional platinum deployant clasp, product literature, loupe, spring bar tool, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Full-Cataloguing
Good To Know:
- Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoire d’Égalité
- Part of the "Ruthenium Collection,” featuring a striking ruthenium coating across both the dial and movement
- Numbered 98 of 99 pieces
- Preserved in barely worn condition and has only been lightly handled since 2003
- Offered with its original accessories
Fascinated by the tourbillon and inspired by Abraham-Louis Breguet’s invention, François-Paul Journe set out not only to translate the complication into a wristwatch, but to enhance it. His vision included integrating a remontoire d’égalité—a constant force mechanism that delivers steady power to the escapement regardless of the mainspring’s tension, improving accuracy. It was the first time both innovations had ever been combined in a wristwatch.
In 2001, two years after launching his Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoire d’Égalité, Journe introduced a special version housed in a 40 mm case—larger than the 38 mm standard at the time—and treated with a striking ruthenium coating across both the dial and movement. This marked the birth of the "Ruthenium Collection,” a series that bridged the transition between Journe’s early brass calibers and the 18k pink gold movements that would become the brand’s signature.
Produced between 2001 and 2005, the Ruthenium Collection includes five models: the Octa Jour/Nuit, Octa Calendrier, Octa Chronographe, Chronomètre à Résonance, and the Tourbillon Souverain—the present watch. Each was limited to just 99 pieces and is now considered among the most collectible early Journe creations. This Tourbillon Souverain, number 98 of the edition, features a ruthenium-coated brass caliber 1498 and matching ruthenium-coated white gold dial, which retains the signature glow and depth of Journe’s earliest dials. Accompanied by its Certificate and presentation box, it remains the only version of the Tourbillon with Remontoire ever produced in a 40 mm case—an exceptional piece from one of contemporary watchmaking’s most revered minds.
An incredible feat, the present watch is preserved in barely worn condition and has only been lightly handled since 2003. It is furthermore presented as an incredibly "full set" with its F.P. Journe Certificate dated April 01, 2003, product literature, additional platinum deployant clasp, loupe, spring bar tool, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
- Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoire d’Égalité
- Part of the "Ruthenium Collection,” featuring a striking ruthenium coating across both the dial and movement
- Numbered 98 of 99 pieces
- Preserved in barely worn condition and has only been lightly handled since 2003
- Offered with its original accessories
Fascinated by the tourbillon and inspired by Abraham-Louis Breguet’s invention, François-Paul Journe set out not only to translate the complication into a wristwatch, but to enhance it. His vision included integrating a remontoire d’égalité—a constant force mechanism that delivers steady power to the escapement regardless of the mainspring’s tension, improving accuracy. It was the first time both innovations had ever been combined in a wristwatch.
In 2001, two years after launching his Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoire d’Égalité, Journe introduced a special version housed in a 40 mm case—larger than the 38 mm standard at the time—and treated with a striking ruthenium coating across both the dial and movement. This marked the birth of the "Ruthenium Collection,” a series that bridged the transition between Journe’s early brass calibers and the 18k pink gold movements that would become the brand’s signature.
Produced between 2001 and 2005, the Ruthenium Collection includes five models: the Octa Jour/Nuit, Octa Calendrier, Octa Chronographe, Chronomètre à Résonance, and the Tourbillon Souverain—the present watch. Each was limited to just 99 pieces and is now considered among the most collectible early Journe creations. This Tourbillon Souverain, number 98 of the edition, features a ruthenium-coated brass caliber 1498 and matching ruthenium-coated white gold dial, which retains the signature glow and depth of Journe’s earliest dials. Accompanied by its Certificate and presentation box, it remains the only version of the Tourbillon with Remontoire ever produced in a 40 mm case—an exceptional piece from one of contemporary watchmaking’s most revered minds.
An incredible feat, the present watch is preserved in barely worn condition and has only been lightly handled since 2003. It is furthermore presented as an incredibly "full set" with its F.P. Journe Certificate dated April 01, 2003, product literature, additional platinum deployant clasp, loupe, spring bar tool, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
F.P. Journe
Swiss | 1999Founded 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.