Initially, the F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain made between 1999 and 2003 was the first timepiece to combine a tourbillion with a remontoir d'egalité that served as a perpetual drive force resulting in greater accuracy and magnitude for the tourbillon-equipped escapement. The Tourbillon Souverain Remontoire d'Egalité avec Secondes Mortes, Journe's second generation of tourbillions were made from 2003 to 2018 and were fitted not only with a remontoire but also with a dead beat seconds, an enchanting complication that had not been used in wristwatches until the mid-twentieth century.

The mechanism ensures that the seconds hand will completely stop as the escapement continues to beat, not moving until one second has elapsed, at which point it will advance to indicate the next second. Whilst at first glance this seems a simple feature to be fitted on a movement, it actually requires a complex and precise mechanism to reliably stop and restart the second hand so that it does not move at the same rate as the vibration of the balance wheel.

Since its discontinuation in 2019 the Tourbillon Souverain has become an avidly sought after piece. In very appealing condition, and retaining its original accessories, this Tourbillon Souverain is representative of the heart of F.P Journe, equally in its design, lines and movement. Housed in an elegant 40mm dress platinum case, the dial's tourbillon aperture reveals the delicate perlage on the movement - a luxurious feature of Journe's calibers.