To truly comprehend the significance of the F. P. Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30, one must first take a step back and revisit the inaugural timepiece that placed Journe on the map as an esteemed independent. In 1977, the young apprentice was merely 20 years old when he was exposed to some of the greatest tourbillons from the likes of Abraham-Louis Breguet and George Daniels while working in his uncle’s workshop. A well-respected veteran, Michel Journe was entrusted by distinguished collectors to tend to their collection and Sir Cecil Clutton was one of his loyal patrons. With an abundance of curiosity and fascination, his lack of resources did not deter him from owning a tourbillon as he took on the challenge to make one on his own. A first to bear “F.P. Journe A Paris” on the dial, this is no ordinary pocket watch, but one that has a tourbillon and spring detent escapement, all made by hand. Completed in 1983, this timepiece became a blueprint for his future designs, irreplicable aesthetics, notably the obvious oversized blued screws on the movement.

Jumping forward 30 years later, Journe commemorated the immense success of his eponymous brand with the release of the Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30. Marking the 30th Anniversary of his first ever creation, this spectacular wristwatch was made exclusively for his close friends and important clients as a limited edition of 99 pieces only. Beautifully proportioned at 40mm, the combination of sterling silver with engine turned guilloche details, pink gold bezel and hunter caseback are all characteristics drawn from his inaugural pocket watch. Uncluttered with simplicity exhibiting a fine granular white dial with engraved Roman numerals and railway tracks, the signature “Invenit et Fecit” is inscribed as a nod to the conventions a century ago. Perfect in every detail, the blued hands and screws on the dial side echo what is hidden beneath this timepiece harmoniously. Turning the watch over, the guilloché decorated hinged caseback reveals the most exquisite gilt brass movement, accented by highly polished and bevelled edges with bridges, plates and large blued screws, reminiscent of 19th century Breguet pocket watches. Its proportion? Second to none.

Highly sought-after, the T30 presented is numbered 68 of a limited edition of 99 pieces. Beautifully aged through the ravages of time, the silver case has developed an extremely attractive patina. The timepiece is further accompanied by its original certificate and box. To this day, the T30 is one of two tourbillon models ever produced by Journe where the movement is hidden from the front of the watch. A retrospective by the watchmaker, a tribute to passion, a grail and toast to humble beginnings, the present T30 is one of the most important timepieces that Journe collectors need.