F.P. Journe - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2015
    Case No: 31/38-T
    Model Name: Tourbillon Souverain, 38mm Steel Set
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1498, 28 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel F.P Journe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe instruction manual, wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Housed in a 38mm stainless steel case, the present Tourbillon Souverain was part of an exclusive set of five limited-edition timepieces, created to commemorate the discontinuation of Journe’s early 38mm creations. While other pieces in the set share movements similar to their regular production counterparts, this tourbillon boasts a distinctive movement. Early F.P. Journe tourbillons (1999-2003) featured conventional brass movements with the Remontoir d’Egalité, but without a dead-seconds complication. Paying homage to his original design, Journe masterfully combines both elements in this 2015 stainless steel tourbillon, resulting in a movement mechanically identical to the first-generation brass cal. 1498, but enhanced with pink gold bridges and base plate. This makes the 38-piece limited edition steel tourbillons remarkably rare and highly sought-after.

    The dial, thoughtfully designed, elegantly highlights each feature without overwhelming the striking bronze-colored canvas. The one-second Remontoir d’Egalité is strategically aligned with the hour and minute display, suggesting its equal importance in the timekeeping function. Visible through a large aperture, it underscores its role as a critical complication, providing constant force to the escapement and balancing the power flow between the mainspring and escapement. The dual apertures invite the wearer to admire the intricate movement inside, complete with its impressive perlage finishes.

    Numbered 31 out of a limited edition of 38 pieces, this Tourbillon Souverain offers connoisseurs a rare opportunity to own an exceptionally well-preserved and revered masterpiece.

  • 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

18

A mechanically complex and highly sought-after, limited edition stainless steel tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve indication and constant force remontoire, numbered 31 of a limited edition of 38 pieces

Circa 2015
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$170,000 - 240,000 
CHF149,000-211,000
€159,000-225,000
HK$1,320,000-1,870,000

Sold for $558,800

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, 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: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024