PROPERTY OF THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER
76Σ︎
F.P. Journe
Tourbillon Souverain "Like New-Old-Stock"
A “like-new-old-stock”, rare, and important platinum tourbillon wristwatch with remontoir d’egalité, white gold dial, brass movement, warranty, and presentation box
Estimate
$300,000–600,000
Manufacturer
F.P. Journe
Year
2003, Switzerland
Case No
219-03T
Model Name
Tourbillon Souverain "Like New-Old-Stock"
Material
Platinum
Calibre
Manual, cal. 1498, 25 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
Platinum and gold F.P. Journe deployant clasp
Dimensions
38mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
Accessories
Accompanied by F.P. Journe guarantee card dated March 11th, 2003, product literature, fitted early 3-part presentation box, and outer box.
Full-Cataloguing
GOOD TO KNOW
• Has remained unworn since purchase in 2003, with same family, and is a complete set
• 4th generation brass movement T with white gold dial, sold in 2003
• "Like-new-old-stock" condition, one of very few ever found in this level of preservation
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 regardless of the winding level of the mainspring, resulting in greater accuracy. It was the first time that these innovations had been combined and integrated into a wristwatch.
The first prototype was completed in 1991 with little, if any, fanfare from the industry. He revisited his tourbillon wristwatch in 1999 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.
The early Tourbillon Souverain models with brass movements, like the present example, can be split into four generations:
1st Generation - Souscription (1999) 20 numbered examples in platinum
2nd Generation (1999) estimated run of 16 examples in platinum with rounded remontoir bridge and addition of “Remontoir d’Egalité” on the dial
3rd Generation (1999-2001) estimated run of 60 examples in platinum and pink gold, with flat remontoir bridge and larger power reserve numerals.
4th Generation (2001-2003) estimated run of 320 examples in platinum and pink gold, with smaller dial screws; the present watch
The present 03T, numbered 219, is fresh-to-the-market and offered on behalf of the original owner’s family. It has been, extraordinarily, kept in virtually new-old-stock condition since its purchase in 2003 in Switzerland, retaining its original accessories including its coveted 3-part burlwood presentation box. To be so uniquely preserved is extremely uncommon, with the engravings and hallmarks to the caseback untouched and the white gold dial absolutely pristine. Even the lug holes on the original strap are flawless, and as far as can be seen with the naked eye, the strap has not been removed. It is truly a time capsule piece for the most sophisticated of collectors.
• Has remained unworn since purchase in 2003, with same family, and is a complete set
• 4th generation brass movement T with white gold dial, sold in 2003
• "Like-new-old-stock" condition, one of very few ever found in this level of preservation
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 regardless of the winding level of the mainspring, resulting in greater accuracy. It was the first time that these innovations had been combined and integrated into a wristwatch.
The first prototype was completed in 1991 with little, if any, fanfare from the industry. He revisited his tourbillon wristwatch in 1999 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.
The early Tourbillon Souverain models with brass movements, like the present example, can be split into four generations:
1st Generation - Souscription (1999) 20 numbered examples in platinum
2nd Generation (1999) estimated run of 16 examples in platinum with rounded remontoir bridge and addition of “Remontoir d’Egalité” on the dial
3rd Generation (1999-2001) estimated run of 60 examples in platinum and pink gold, with flat remontoir bridge and larger power reserve numerals.
4th Generation (2001-2003) estimated run of 320 examples in platinum and pink gold, with smaller dial screws; the present watch
The present 03T, numbered 219, is fresh-to-the-market and offered on behalf of the original owner’s family. It has been, extraordinarily, kept in virtually new-old-stock condition since its purchase in 2003 in Switzerland, retaining its original accessories including its coveted 3-part burlwood presentation box. To be so uniquely preserved is extremely uncommon, with the engravings and hallmarks to the caseback untouched and the white gold dial absolutely pristine. Even the lug holes on the original strap are flawless, and as far as can be seen with the naked eye, the strap has not been removed. It is truly a time capsule piece for the most sophisticated of collectors.
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.