F.P. Journe - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2003
    Case No: 251-03T
    Model Name: Tourbillon Souverain
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1498, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe 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.

    To create his own horological masterpiece, Journe set out to improve Breguet’s invention via the addition of a remontoire 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

Σ94

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

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

Estimate
$250,000 - 500,000 
CHF225,000-450,000
€231,000-462,000
HK$1,950,000-3,910,000
S$336,000-672,000

Sold for $393,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023