Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2014 Case No: 26/99-T30 Model Name: Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique “T30” Material: Silver and 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 1412, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold and silver F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe certificate of guarantee dated April 1st 2014, original purchase invoice dated March 29th 2014, and travel cardboard box.
Catalogue Essay
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the completion of his first tourbillon pocketwatch, François-Paul Journe decided to produce 99 examples of a wristwatch wholly inspired by his first great feat. Subsequently named the Tourbillon Anniversaire Historique, the present example is numbered 26 of 99 and comes directly from the collection of the original owner. The layout of the dial replicates that of the original pocket watch almost exactly, only shrunk to fit a 40mm case. To recreate the pocket watch dial, Journe employed the technique of engraving the dial and then filling the engravings with lacquer, a process usually associated with the finest vintage watches. The unorthodox combination of 18K rose gold and silver – with the former used for case elements that would see more wear, such as the bezel, caseback band, and crown, and the latter used for most of the case, including the lugs and the outer caseback. A brilliant, radiating guilloché pattern encircles the number of the watch on the outside of the hinged, hunter caseback.
An unusual metal for use in a wristwatch, silver is rarely used in the present day as it tarnishes easily. Journe chose to use silver despite its disadvantages as a nod to the silver used in his original pocket watch. The case was not plated in any way to protect against the elements, and so each example of the T30 has developed its own unique patina. The elegant tourbillon movement, rendered in gilt brass, is more highly finished than typical Journe watches, with hand finishing used on elements of the tourbillon cage, and oversized blued steel slotted screws. The architecture of the movement is one of complete symmetry, and magnificent to behold.
The entire watch evokes a bygone era of watchmaking, of the most historically significant timepieces created by Breguet. To this day, the T30 is one of two tourbillon models ever produced by Journe where the movement is hidden from the back of the watch. A retrospective by the watchmaker, a tribute to passion, and a toast to humble beginnings, the present T30 is one of the most important timepieces that a Journe collector can own.
All proceeds from the hammer price result will be donated by the consignor to UNICEF.
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.
An extraordinarily attractive, inventive, and historically important limited edition silver and pink gold tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, hinged caseback, certificate, and presentation box, numbered 26 of a limited edition of 99 pieces, sold to benefit charity
2014 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
