F.P. Journe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2005
    Case No: 009-CS
    Model Name: Chronomètre Souverain
    Material: Platinum, 18K gold movement
    Calibre: Mechanical, 1304, 22 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F.P Journe Certificate of Authenticity and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    François-Paul Journe is a modern watchmaker who uses his technical talent and ingenuity to create classic-looking wristwatches with a modern style. His firm, F.P. Journe, was founded in 1999 and operates under the slogan Invenit et Fecit, meaning [He] invented it and made it, indicating that the brand's timepieces are entirely developed and manufactured in-house.

    The focus of the Chronomètre Souverain, as the name of the line suggests, is chronometric precision. Although its design pays homage to ancient chronometers, it has been applied in a discreetly and elegant contemporary fashion.

    The silver dial features a “Hobnail” like guilloché pattern in the center, which is different to the guilloché pattern of later examples. The same applies to the signature on the dial which is larger than those found on later production models.

    The power reserve is also an intriguing feature, since instead of going from 0-56, the reserve indicator moves when wound in the opposite direction, towards 0. This is inspired from naval chronometer clocks that indicated the hours passed since the movement was wound and not how many hours are left.

    The signature blue F.P. Journe hands contrast well with the silver tones of the dial. Overall, the dial is elegantly well balanced and easy to read, a subsidiary second counter is located between 7 and 8 o'clock, with a power-reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, indicating 56 hours.

    Preserved in excellent overall condition the timepiece is a true staple and testament of elegance and chronometric precision.

    Furthermore, the present timepiece from 2005 come from the first batch of production of this important series and is numbered 009, one of the first ones ever to be made making it more than a unique opportunity for F.P Journe collectors to acquire one of the first examples from the Souverain line.

  • 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.

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Σ225

An early, attractive and well-preserved platinum wristwatch with silver guilloché dial, pink gold movement, power reserve, certificate of authenticity and presentation box

Circa 2005
40mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€24,600-49,100
$26,500-53,100

Sold for CHF138,600

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022