Having established his eponymous brand in 1999, Journe produced 20 pieces of original ‘Tourbillon Souverain’, each signed ‘F.P. Journe Invenit et Fecit’. This was the first watch produced by Montres Journe. Ref. T was introduced later in the same year and is widely considered the first production wristwatch from Montres Journe. Discontinued in 2003, it is estimated only 258 pieces were produced. With 38mm diameter in either platinum or 18K pink gold, it features a cal. 1498 with a rhodium-plated movement which can be admired through the sapphire case back. When the production of Reference T was ceased, there was a gap of one year before ref. TN was released in April 2004.

Consistent with its predecessor, the present ref. TN was offered in either 18K pink gold or platinum but with an option of 40mm diameter like the present example. However its layout was significantly different. The hand for the power-reserve display was repositioned to 12 o’clock, granting a more symmetrical appearance to the dial and enhancing legibility. The patented screwed steel frame was redesigned. The seconds track, which previously encircled the aperture for the tourbillon, was removed, providing a cleaner aesthetic. Furthermore, a new, discrete small seconds display was introduced at 6 o’clock. These subtle changes clearly illustrate Journe’s relentless quest for perfection.

Apart from its appearance, the present ref. TN also featured an upgraded cal. 1403. Instead of rhodium-plated brass, the movement was made of 18K pink gold, which is the least reactive metal and therefore will never corrode or tarnish. Despite these changes, the case remains a mere 9.9mm thick. The transition from the T to the TN was far more than just a subtle upgrade; Journe himself has stated that the only part carried over from the Reference T to the TN is the tourbillon cage – everything else was completely re-engineered. The present ref. TN highlights the addition of a deadbeat seconds, a complication made possible by the remontoir d’égalité and its pulsing action. This feature allows the seconds hand to "tick" once per second rather than moving continuously, further enhancing the watch’s precision and giving it a unique aesthetic character. This feature can also be appreciated through the transparent caseback.

The introduction of the Reference T, followed by the TN and its limited-edition variants, underscores the depth of F.P. Journe’s innovation and the constant evolution of his watchmaking philosophy. Each iteration brings not just incremental technical improvements but also new avenues for creative expression, ensuring that his tourbillons remain as coveted by collectors today as they were at the turn of the millennium. Discontinued in 2018 and replaced by ref. TV in 2019, the present ref. TN stands as a testament to F.P. Journe’s pursuit of mechanical innovation and design excellence.

Paired with grey crocodile strap, which complements with the frosted white gold dial, the present ref. TN is presented in excellent overall condition.