The
Tourbillon Souverain was the very first production wristwatch from
Montres Journe, originally made between 1999 and 2003, with a
Remontoir d’Egalité; and without the dead-beat seconds complication seen in this piece. In 2004,
Journe began manufacturing movements from 18-carat gold, having developed the brand sufficiently to further the manufacturing process. This example is part of the
Tourbillon Nouveau series (indicated by ‘TN’ engraving on the caseback), launched in April 2004. In this re-invention of the model, the only part remaining from the original 'T' models is the tourbillon cage, with all other parts undergoing a total redesign.
The
Tourbillon Souverain is quintessentially an
F.P Journe, in both its design language and movement. Housed in a classical 40mm dress watch case, it is made distinctive by
F.P. Journe’s signature ‘flat crown’ with a rope-like pattern. The grey dial is delicately textured, and displays a separate silver guilloché dial for the hours and minutes. The words ‘Invenit et Fecit’ are inscribed below the tourbillon (Latin for “Invented and Made”) - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. Also inscribed are the words 'avec Seconde Morte', denoting the added complication in later examples. At 12 o’clock, a power reserve indicator of 42 hours is displayed. Overall, the dial layout is clean and highly legible.
In the same location as the
Rementoir d'egalité of earlier pieces, dead-beat seconds are shown at 6 o'clock on the dial. The term ‘Seconde Morte' or ‘dead-beat seconds’, comes from the manner in which the hand remains motionless, until the second has passed.
This manual-winding,
F.P. Journe caliber
1403 tourbillon movement is 18k rose-gold, with fausses-côtes embellishments, constructed with 25 jewels and a shock-absorber mechanism. It further features a straight-line lever escapement, and monometallic 4-arm balance with 4 timing weights, adjusted to 5 positions. It includes a self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring. The movement is engraved 'Chronometre A Tourbillon'.
The earliest works of
François-Paul Journe, effortlessly blend traditional 19th-century watchmaking with modern haute-horology, in perfect harmony. Housed in a 40mm platinum case, this
F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain represents a modern take on his original, inspired design.
Monsieur Journe’s mastery is evident in the look, feel, and romance of his craftsmanship - inspired by his immediate works after graduation, restoring 18th and 19th century marine chronometers and pocket watches.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
