US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
159
F.P. Journe
Tourbillon Souverain - Black Label
A highly complicated, clever and refined platinum wristwatch with vertical tourbillon regulator, Certificate, invoice and box; "Black Label" edition
- Estimate
- CHF250,000 - 500,000€270,000 - 539,000$314,000 - 628,000
CHF762,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- F.P. Journe
- Year
- 2022
- Case No
- 113-TV
- Model Name
- Tourbillon Souverain - Black Label
- Material
- Platinum
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 1519, 33 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- F.P. Journe calfskin strap
- Clasp/Buckle
- F.P. Journe platinum pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 42.5mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, buckle and strap signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by F.P. Journe Black Label Certificate dated October 20, 2022, purchase invoice dated October 20, 2022, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Francois-Paul Journe launched his namesake brand with the motto “invenit et fecit” (invented and made) in 1999, first introducing the Tourbillon Souverain Remointoire d’Egalité, known as the “T”. In 2003, Francois-Paul Journe pushed the boundaries of his timekeeping masterpiece further, upgrading the “T” to the “TN” model (“Tourbillon Nouveau”), featuring a deadbeat seconds on top of the remontoire. Finally, in 2019, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Journe Tourbillon, the Vertical Tourbillon was launched.
A complete reworking of the tourbillon module, beyond a speeding up of the tourbillon form 1 minute to 30 seconds, the new movement features – as the name implies – a vertical arrangement for the tourbillon cage, while most other tourbillon timepieces feature an horizontal arrangement. In a nutshell, the tourbillon regulator works by averaging the gravity-induced errors of the balance wheel. To achieve this, the balance wheel needs to be parallel to the force of gravity. With the horizontal arrangement, this requirement is only satisfied when the watch is placed on its side (or standing up); not when it is face up/down – one of the most common positions one places the watch when off the wrist. With the horizontal arrangement of the tourbillon, it becomes efficient also when face up/down, giving up the efficiency of the “stand up” position, which is anyways uncommonly employed when someone goes to bed and places the watch on the nightstand – possibly the most common instance of temporary watch removal nowadays.
Part of the ultra-rare and exclusive Black Label collection, the present model was available only to pre-existing Journe owners. Each F.P. Journe boutique receiving one Black Label watch per month and only one or two of each model. Its semi-gloss black dial is an immediate giveaway to Journe cognoscenti of the status of this extraordinarily rare timepiece, and it furthermore beautifully contrasts with the white dials.
Offered in outstanding condition and complete with its original accessories and even the original purchase invoice, such a watch is surely a prize for the avid Journe collector.
A complete reworking of the tourbillon module, beyond a speeding up of the tourbillon form 1 minute to 30 seconds, the new movement features – as the name implies – a vertical arrangement for the tourbillon cage, while most other tourbillon timepieces feature an horizontal arrangement. In a nutshell, the tourbillon regulator works by averaging the gravity-induced errors of the balance wheel. To achieve this, the balance wheel needs to be parallel to the force of gravity. With the horizontal arrangement, this requirement is only satisfied when the watch is placed on its side (or standing up); not when it is face up/down – one of the most common positions one places the watch when off the wrist. With the horizontal arrangement of the tourbillon, it becomes efficient also when face up/down, giving up the efficiency of the “stand up” position, which is anyways uncommonly employed when someone goes to bed and places the watch on the nightstand – possibly the most common instance of temporary watch removal nowadays.
Part of the ultra-rare and exclusive Black Label collection, the present model was available only to pre-existing Journe owners. Each F.P. Journe boutique receiving one Black Label watch per month and only one or two of each model. Its semi-gloss black dial is an immediate giveaway to Journe cognoscenti of the status of this extraordinarily rare timepiece, and it furthermore beautifully contrasts with the white dials.
Offered in outstanding condition and complete with its original accessories and even the original purchase invoice, such a watch is surely a prize for the avid Journe collector.
Provenance
F.P. Journe
Swiss | 1999Founded 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.
Browse MakerKey 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.