Our final live auction of the fall 2023 season is here. The PHILLIPS New York Watch Auction: NINE takes place on December 9 and 10, at our New York headquarters. The auction includes more than 150 of the world's finest watches – including the F.P. Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique "T30'" that is featured below.
– Jaclyn Li
In the illustrious realm of haute horlogerie, F.P. Journe stands as a paragon of precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. Founded by François-Paul Journe in 1999, the eponymous brand swiftly ascended to the pinnacles of horological excellence, combining traditional watchmaking techniques with avant-garde design principles. Journe, a French watchmaker of extraordinary talent, embarked on a quest to redefine the boundaries of mechanical timekeeping, and his legacy endures through the remarkable timepieces produced by his eponymous brand.
Central to the narrative of F.P. Journe's horological mastery is the tourbillon complication, a mechanism that not only exemplifies the brand's commitment to technical prowess but also traces its roots back to the very origins of horology. In a captivating twist, the first pocket watch crafted by F.P. Journe was in the style of Breguet and adorned with a tourbillon, underscoring the pivotal role this complication plays in the brand's ethos and the wider landscape of high-end watchmaking.
In a celebration of horological mastery and a nod to the rich tapestry of its own history, F.P. Journe unveiled the T-30 Tourbillon—a resplendent timepiece meticulously crafted in silver and rose gold. Released in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the brand's inaugural pocket watch, this masterpiece not only pays homage to the roots of F.P. Journe but also exemplifies the relentless pursuit of precision and elegance that defines the brand's ethos.
The T-30 Tourbillon stands as a testament to François-Paul Journe's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. The case, fashioned from gleaming silver, exudes a timeless elegance, while the bezel and lugs, resplendent in warm rose gold, add a touch of opulence. The harmonious interplay of these precious metals results in a visual symphony that captures the essence of the brand's aesthetic evolution over three decades.
At the heart of this horological marvel lies the tourbillon, a complication that F.P. Journe holds dear, given its historical significance in the brand's journey. The tourbillon, originally conceived to counteract the effects of gravity on timekeeping, is a mesmerizing ballet of gears and balance wheel, encased within a meticulously crafted cage. In the T-30 Tourbillon, this complication not only enhances precision but serves as a captivating centerpiece, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.
The dial, a canvas of sophistication, showcases F.P. Journe's iconic design language. Elegant hour and minute hands sweep across a silvered surface adorned with subtle grain finish, adding depth and texture. The meticulous design of the main dial and sub-dial also contribute to the overall aesthetic finesse, ensuring legibility while maintaining an air of refinement.
Coming up as lot 11 of the New York Watch Auction: NINE, this watch carries an estimate of $180,000 -- $360,000. Encased in a gorgeously patinated case, the watch narrates a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and an unwavering pursuit of horological perfection with each tick and tock, making it a fitting tribute to the legacy that began with a pocket watch three decades ago.
You can learn more, place a bid, and view the entire New York Watch Auction: NINE catalog right here.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
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