A prelude of an independent watchmaker is never plain sailing, often as solitary artisan fighting for their vision to be acknowledged for their works, expressing the uncompromising creativity that are truly unique and of extreme beauty. Their success deserves the greatest respect in preserving the art of horology and innovating for the generations to come.

To truly appreciate the beauty and importance of the F. P Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30, it is hard not to mention the first ever watch that marks the beginning of Mr. Francois Paul Journe’s story. A first to bear his name on the dial, not just any pocket watch, but one that has a tourbillon and spring detent escapement made all by a pair human-hands. This brings us back to 1977, at the age of 20 of the young apprentice to his uncle Michel Journe, where he was exposed to some of the greatest forerunners of watchmaking Abraham-Louis Breguet and George Daniels, notably these tourbillons were often seen with one of Michel’s top client Sir Cecil Clutton. With incredible fascination while lacking the funds to acquire one for himself, the rebellious young Journe took the challenge and decided to make one himself. Taking five years to complete until 1983, signed “F.P. Journe A Paris” on the dial, this pocket watch in many ways pays tribute to his inspirations with sublime aesthetics such as the obvious oversized blued screws on the movement, and would later become blueprints of his wristwatches.

Fast forwarding to 2013 with immense success of his eponymous brand, F. P. Journe celebrated his remarkable beginning with the Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique T30, the 30th anniversary of his first ever creation. Made for his friends and important clients only 99 pieces were ever produced, making this a truly rare gem. Elegant in proportion at 40mm diameter, the combination of sterling silver with engine turned guilloche details, pink gold bezel and hunter caseback mirroring the original pocket watch in grace. 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 echoes what is hidden beneath this timepiece harmoniously. Turning the watch over, the guilloché decorated hinged caseback reveals the drop dead gorgeous gilt brass movement accented by highly polished and beveled edges with bridges, plates and large blued screws reminiscent of 19th century Breguet pocket watches. Its proportion? Simply divine.

Highly coveted the T30 presented is numbered 22 of a limited edition of 99 pieces, one of which to be the earliest example to ever appear in the auction market. Beautifully aged with an extremely attractive patina on its silver case, the timepiece is accompanied with its original certificate and box. Till 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, this present T30 is one of the most important timepieces that Journe collectors need.