F.P. Journe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2014
    Reference No: T30
    Case No: 68/99
    Model Name: Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique
    Material: 18K pink gold and silver
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1412, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold F.P. Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F. P. Journe certificate stamped Montres F. P. Journe Hong Kong and dated 8th April 2014, 30th Anniversary book, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    To truly comprehend the significance of the F. P. Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30, one must first take a step back and revisit the inaugural timepiece that placed Journe on the map as an esteemed independent. In 1977, the young apprentice was merely 20 years old when he was exposed to some of the greatest tourbillons from the likes of Abraham-Louis Breguet and George Daniels while working in his uncle’s workshop. A well-respected veteran, Michel Journe was entrusted by distinguished collectors to tend to their collection and Sir Cecil Clutton was one of his loyal patrons. With an abundance of curiosity and fascination, his lack of resources did not deter him from owning a tourbillon as he took on the challenge to make one on his own. A first to bear “F.P. Journe A Paris” on the dial, this is no ordinary pocket watch, but one that has a tourbillon and spring detent escapement, all made by hand. Completed in 1983, this timepiece became a blueprint for his future designs, irreplicable aesthetics, notably the obvious oversized blued screws on the movement.

    Jumping forward 30 years later, Journe commemorated the immense success of his eponymous brand with the release of the Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30. Marking the 30th Anniversary of his first ever creation, this spectacular wristwatch was made exclusively for his close friends and important clients as a limited edition of 99 pieces only. Beautifully proportioned at 40mm, the combination of sterling silver with engine turned guilloche details, pink gold bezel and hunter caseback are all characteristics drawn from his inaugural pocket watch. Uncluttered with simplicity exhibiting a fine granular white dial with engraved Roman numerals and railway tracks, the signature “Invenit et Fecit” is inscribed as a nod to the conventions a century ago. Perfect in every detail, the blued hands and screws on the dial side echo what is hidden beneath this timepiece harmoniously. Turning the watch over, the guilloché decorated hinged caseback reveals the most exquisite gilt brass movement, accented by highly polished and bevelled edges with bridges, plates and large blued screws, reminiscent of 19th century Breguet pocket watches. Its proportion? Second to none.

    Highly sought-after, the T30 presented is numbered 68 of a limited edition of 99 pieces. Beautifully aged through the ravages of time, the silver case has developed an extremely attractive patina. The timepiece is further accompanied by its original certificate and box. To this day, the T30 is one of two tourbillon models ever produced by Journe where the movement is hidden from the front of the watch. A retrospective by the watchmaker, a tribute to passion, a grail and toast to humble beginnings, the present T30 is one of the most important timepieces that Journe collectors need.

  • 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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Property from the Original Owner

825

Ref. T30
An extraordinarily rare, inventive and historically important limtied edition silver and pink gold tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, hinged caseback, certificate and presentation box, numbered 68 of a limited edition of 99 pieces

Circa 2014
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$1,000,000 - 2,200,000 
€117,000-257,000
$128,000-282,000

Sold for HK$2,889,250

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023