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Descriptif du lot
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.
With its charming silvered dial, the present F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain belongs to the highly coveted Reference T series and represents a particularly desirable third-generation example. The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity confirms that the watch was originally delivered in Switzerland in 2001, while its individual number, 125/01T, identifies it as the 125th example produced. Offered by the family of the original owner and as an early brass-movement Tourbillon Souverain from the formative years of the manufacture, the present timepiece occupies an important position in the history of F.P. Journe.
Introduced at Baselworld in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain Reference T holds a special place in François-Paul Journe's career as his first series-produced wristwatch, following the celebrated group of 20 Souscription pieces. More significantly, it was the first wristwatch to incorporate a remontoir d'égalité, or constant-force mechanism. By regulating the energy transmitted from the mainspring to the escapement, the remontoir provides the tourbillon with a more consistent supply of torque, thereby improving chronometric stability throughout the watch's approximately 42-hour power reserve. The combination of these two mechanisms perfectly encapsulates Journe's philosophy: creating thoroughly contemporary and technically ambitious wristwatches firmly rooted in the traditions of classical horology.
Until the introduction of the Reference TN, or Tourbillon Nouveau, in April 2004, the Tourbillon Souverain was powered by the rhodium-plated brass calibre 1498. From 2004 onwards, F.P. Journe famously transitioned to movements constructed in 18k pink gold, with the new calibre 1403. Early brass-movement watches such as the present example therefore represent a distinct and historically significant chapter in the development of the manufacture and have become particularly prized by collectors.
Within the Reference T series, four distinct dial generations have been identified:
First generation
Souscription series: limited to just 20 pieces, sold to collectors who prepaid prior to completion. These watches are numbered 1⁄20 to 20⁄20 on both dial and case, with dials signed only 'Invenit et Fecit / F.P. Journe'. The remontoire cock is rounded.
Second generation
The first true Reference T production watches. Dials are signed 'Invenit et Fecit / F.P. Journe' and 'Remontoir d’Égalité'. As with the Souscription series, the remontoire cock remains rounded.
Third generation
Characterised by enlarged power reserve numerals, now almost matching the size of the minute numerals, and a flat remontoire cock, such as on the present timepiece.
Fourth generation
Distinguished by smaller dial screws, marking the final evolution of the Reference T dial design.
Combining an early 2001 production date, the coveted brass calibre 1498, third-generation characteristics, and individual number 125/01T, the present Tourbillon Souverain is an exceptional representative of F.P. Journe's formative period. Both technically groundbreaking and historically significant, it stands as one of the defining creations upon which the reputation of the modern manufacture was built.
With its charming silvered dial, the present F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain belongs to the highly coveted Reference T series and represents a particularly desirable third-generation example. The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity confirms that the watch was originally delivered in Switzerland in 2001, while its individual number, 125/01T, identifies it as the 125th example produced. Offered by the family of the original owner and as an early brass-movement Tourbillon Souverain from the formative years of the manufacture, the present timepiece occupies an important position in the history of F.P. Journe.
Introduced at Baselworld in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain Reference T holds a special place in François-Paul Journe's career as his first series-produced wristwatch, following the celebrated group of 20 Souscription pieces. More significantly, it was the first wristwatch to incorporate a remontoir d'égalité, or constant-force mechanism. By regulating the energy transmitted from the mainspring to the escapement, the remontoir provides the tourbillon with a more consistent supply of torque, thereby improving chronometric stability throughout the watch's approximately 42-hour power reserve. The combination of these two mechanisms perfectly encapsulates Journe's philosophy: creating thoroughly contemporary and technically ambitious wristwatches firmly rooted in the traditions of classical horology.
Until the introduction of the Reference TN, or Tourbillon Nouveau, in April 2004, the Tourbillon Souverain was powered by the rhodium-plated brass calibre 1498. From 2004 onwards, F.P. Journe famously transitioned to movements constructed in 18k pink gold, with the new calibre 1403. Early brass-movement watches such as the present example therefore represent a distinct and historically significant chapter in the development of the manufacture and have become particularly prized by collectors.
Within the Reference T series, four distinct dial generations have been identified:
First generation
Souscription series: limited to just 20 pieces, sold to collectors who prepaid prior to completion. These watches are numbered 1⁄20 to 20⁄20 on both dial and case, with dials signed only 'Invenit et Fecit / F.P. Journe'. The remontoire cock is rounded.
Second generation
The first true Reference T production watches. Dials are signed 'Invenit et Fecit / F.P. Journe' and 'Remontoir d’Égalité'. As with the Souscription series, the remontoire cock remains rounded.
Third generation
Characterised by enlarged power reserve numerals, now almost matching the size of the minute numerals, and a flat remontoire cock, such as on the present timepiece.
Fourth generation
Distinguished by smaller dial screws, marking the final evolution of the Reference T dial design.
Combining an early 2001 production date, the coveted brass calibre 1498, third-generation characteristics, and individual number 125/01T, the present Tourbillon Souverain is an exceptional representative of F.P. Journe's formative period. Both technically groundbreaking and historically significant, it stands as one of the defining creations upon which the reputation of the modern manufacture was built.