F.P. Journe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2007
    Case No: 190-TN
    Model Name: Tourbillon Souverain
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1403, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold F.P. Journe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by warranty stamped de Boulle Dallas USA and dated 20th March 2007, cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    François-Paul Journe introduced his inaugural Tourbillon Souverain in 1999 upon the debut of his brand, featuring a pioneering remontoire system. Revolutionising the world of haute horology, the watchmaker’s devotion to ingenious innovations won the hearts of both critics and collectors. By 2004, his concept was brought to a whole new level as he completely transforms the conventional tourbillons with an avant-garde addition of a deadbeat seconds mechanism, resulting in the Remontoire d’Egalité avec Seconde Morte.

    Making time stand still seems like an easy feat, but this complication is in fact a true artform which requires optimal precision to stop and reset the seconds hand on demand. While the escapement continues to tick, the hand will only advance to the next second when one full-second has elapsed. The incorporation of a remontoire system delivers a constant force system that enhances the accuracy and amplitude of the tourbillon-equipped escapement.

    Produced between 2003 and 2018, this discontinued reference was offered in pink gold and platinum with just over a hundred examples manufactured. Unrivalled in charm and complexity, the present timepiece is a second-generation Tourbillon Souverain, fitted in a 40mm platinum case with an 18K pink gold cal. 1403.

    Journe’s distinct dial design highlights the importance of each component. The tourbillon is deliberately placed in parallel with the hours and minutes subdial, suggesting its importance as an equal counterpart to the time display. The aperture on the left invites its wearer to peek into the intricate movement within, boasting striking perlage finishes. Sandwiched between the two subdials, the deadbeat seconds is granted center stage, complementing the power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, resulting a well-balanced frosted white gold dial.

    Initially sold in 2007 by the esteemed Texan Retailer, de Boulle, the present Tourbillon Souverain offers the ideal opportunity for connoisseurs to acquire a well-preserved, esteemed masterpiece, accompanied by its original accessories.

  • 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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Σ860

A highly sought-after and mechanically complex platinum tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve indication, dead beat seconds, constant force remontoire, warranty and presentation box

Circa 2007
40 mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$940,000 - 1,600,000 
€110,000-186,000
$121,000-205,000

Sold for HK$1,778,000

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