F.P. Journe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2003
    Case No: 251-03T
    Model Name: Tourbillon Souverain
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1498, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe Warranty, presentation box, product literature and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Journe’s interpretation of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s masterful invention of the tourbillon has catapulted his creations into the most esteemed and venerable collections worldwide. He completed his first tourbillon wristwatch, Tourbillon No. 1, in 1991, to little if any fanfare from the industry. He revisited his tourbillon wristwatch in 1999 to fund the launch of his own eponymous brand, taking again after Breguet by offering a “Souscription” series: the client would pay a portion up front, without seeing the watch, and Journe would complete and deliver it at a later date.

    Non content to create a horological masterpiece Journe set out to improve Breguet’s invention via the addition of a remontoir system - a constant force device used to provide an equal amount of energy disregarding the winding level of the mainspring, thus resulting in greater accuracy and amplitude. This was the very first time this system, invented by John Harrison for the H2 marine chronometer, was ever used in a wristwatch.

    The 1st generation Tourbillon Souverain models with brass movements can be split into four series:

    1st Series - Souscription (1999) 20 numbered examples in platinum
    2nd Series (1999) estimated run of 17 examples in platinum with rounded remontoire bridge and addition of “Remontoire d’Egalité” on the dial
    3rd Series (1999-2001) estimated run of 60 examples in platinum and pink gold, with flat remontoire bridge and larger power reserve numerals
    4th Series (2001-2003) estimated run of 320 examples in platinum and pink gold, with smaller dial screws.

    The present fourth generation example, numbered 251-03T dates from 2003 and features a rare silver dial.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ231

A technically impressive and elegant platinum tourbillon wristwatch with white gold dial, guarantee and presentation box

2003
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF250,000 - 500,000 
€257,000-515,000
$250,000-501,000

Sold for CHF441,000

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: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022