Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2007 Case No: No. 319-TN Model Name: Tourbillon Souverain Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1403, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe polishing cloth and inner and outer presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
In 1999, François-Paul Journe launched his brand with the introduction of the Tourbillon Souverain, featuring a world premiere remontoir d’egalité – the first time this mechanism was ever integrated with a tourbillon in a wristwatch. In 2004, he pushed his concept one step further by creating a new generation tourbillon that not only maintained the remontoir (serving as a constant force device, resulting in greater accuracy and amplitude for the tourbillon-equipped escapement) but also added a "seconde morte", or deadbeat seconds.
The current example offers more than it initially appears. A closer inspection reveals that this Tourbillon Souverain “TN” is housed in a rare 38mm platinum case, rather than the typical 40mm size. This smaller case is highly sought after by dedicated collectors, as it aligns more closely with the original watches crafted by François-Paul Journe. As such, the present watch was likely made on special request for a notable client of the manufacture.
Produced in limited quantities to begin with, and then discontinued in 2015, there are few 38mm F.P. Journe watches featuring rose gold movements, most of which are Chronomètre Souverains. Thus, a 38mm Tourbillon Souverain is an exceptionally rare find. It represents a unique chance to own a watch that combines the classic case size with a deadbeat seconds mechanism and rose gold movement. Long discontinued, this is a contemporary horological masterpiece, deriving its beauty and accuracy from the best elements of the past and the present.
Founded 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.
