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Lot Essay
This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. The watch will be supplied with a calf leather strap.
The present Ruthenium Tourbillon Souverain is one of the most significant early creations by F.P. Journe and carries an exceptional provenance, having belonged to Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. Numbered 92 of only 99 examples produced between 2001 and 2005, it forms part of the celebrated five-piece Ruthenium Collection, each model in Schumacher's set bearing the identical number 92⁄99. It is widely believed that this number was chosen as a tribute to his first Formula One Grand Prix victory in 1992.
Created during a pivotal period in the history of the manufacture, the Ruthenium Collection marks the final chapter of François-Paul Journe's brass movement era before the transition to the now-iconic solid 18K pink gold calibres introduced in 2004. Comprising the Octa Jour/Nuit, Octa Calendrier, Octa Chronographe, Chronomètre à Résonance, and Tourbillon Souverain (the present timepiece), each model was produced in a strictly limited edition of just 99 examples.
Distinguished by their larger 40 mm cases, the watches of the Ruthenium Collection combine early brass movements with dials treated with a ruthenium coating to create their unmistakable anthracite appearance. The result is a remarkably modern aesthetic while preserving the rich texture and depth characteristic of Journe's earliest dial production.
Tourbillon Souverain
Introduced in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain established itself as one of the defining milestones of contemporary horology. It was the first serially produced wristwatch to unite a tourbillon with a remontoir d'égalité, a constant-force mechanism designed to deliver perfectly regulated energy to the escapement throughout the duration of the power reserve. By compensating for the gradual decline in mainspring torque, the remontoir significantly enhances chronometric consistency while perfectly complementing the regulating function of the tourbillon.
Beyond its remarkable technical achievements, the Tourbillon Souverain exemplifies François-Paul Journe's philosophy of combining traditional watchmaking principles with innovative engineering solutions. Its importance was internationally recognised in 2004 when it received the prestigious Aiguille d'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, followed by the 'Watch of the Year' award at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie in Japan.
Michael Schumacher
Regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One, Michael Schumacher transformed the sport through an unrivalled combination of speed, technical precision, and relentless determination. A seven-time World Champion, including five consecutive titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004, he established a legacy that continues to define excellence in motor racing.
Formerly part of Schumacher's personal collection, the present Tourbillon Souverain combines outstanding horological importance with exceptional provenance. As one of only 99 examples produced and one of the five watches comprising his complete Ruthenium Collection, it represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable early F.P. Journe creations ever made.
The present Ruthenium Tourbillon Souverain is one of the most significant early creations by F.P. Journe and carries an exceptional provenance, having belonged to Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. Numbered 92 of only 99 examples produced between 2001 and 2005, it forms part of the celebrated five-piece Ruthenium Collection, each model in Schumacher's set bearing the identical number 92⁄99. It is widely believed that this number was chosen as a tribute to his first Formula One Grand Prix victory in 1992.
Created during a pivotal period in the history of the manufacture, the Ruthenium Collection marks the final chapter of François-Paul Journe's brass movement era before the transition to the now-iconic solid 18K pink gold calibres introduced in 2004. Comprising the Octa Jour/Nuit, Octa Calendrier, Octa Chronographe, Chronomètre à Résonance, and Tourbillon Souverain (the present timepiece), each model was produced in a strictly limited edition of just 99 examples.
Distinguished by their larger 40 mm cases, the watches of the Ruthenium Collection combine early brass movements with dials treated with a ruthenium coating to create their unmistakable anthracite appearance. The result is a remarkably modern aesthetic while preserving the rich texture and depth characteristic of Journe's earliest dial production.
Tourbillon Souverain
Introduced in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain established itself as one of the defining milestones of contemporary horology. It was the first serially produced wristwatch to unite a tourbillon with a remontoir d'égalité, a constant-force mechanism designed to deliver perfectly regulated energy to the escapement throughout the duration of the power reserve. By compensating for the gradual decline in mainspring torque, the remontoir significantly enhances chronometric consistency while perfectly complementing the regulating function of the tourbillon.
Beyond its remarkable technical achievements, the Tourbillon Souverain exemplifies François-Paul Journe's philosophy of combining traditional watchmaking principles with innovative engineering solutions. Its importance was internationally recognised in 2004 when it received the prestigious Aiguille d'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, followed by the 'Watch of the Year' award at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie in Japan.
Michael Schumacher
Regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One, Michael Schumacher transformed the sport through an unrivalled combination of speed, technical precision, and relentless determination. A seven-time World Champion, including five consecutive titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004, he established a legacy that continues to define excellence in motor racing.
Formerly part of Schumacher's personal collection, the present Tourbillon Souverain combines outstanding horological importance with exceptional provenance. As one of only 99 examples produced and one of the five watches comprising his complete Ruthenium Collection, it represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable early F.P. Journe creations ever made.