GE1304

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Lot 97
  • 97

F.P. Journe

Estimate
250,000 - 350,000 CHF
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Description

  • A VERY RARE STAINLESS STEEL MINUTE REPEATING GRANDE AND PETITE SONNERIE WRISTWATCH WITH POWER RESERVEGRANDE ET PETITE SONNERIE CIRCA 2006
  • steel
  • diameter 42 mm thickness 12.5 mm
• cal. 1505 manual winding movement in 18k pink gold, 40 jewels, repeating on gongs activated by a button at 2 • silvered eccentric dial with guilloché centre, Arabic numerals, off-set engine-turned subsidiary seconds, dial secured by 3 screws to a brushed 18k white gold plate, sectors for power reserve indication and sonnerie function selector, aperture for hour and minute striking hammer, blued steel hands • stainless steel case, screwed down sapphire crystal display case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel F.P. Journe buckle

Condition

Movement is in working order while cataloguing, but it has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. Case in good condition. Overall this is a rare example being complete with its presentation case and accessories. If serviced at FP Journe, the buyer of this watch will be able to re-engrave his name on the case back and have a new certificate issued with his name on it at his own expense.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

For a company not yet ten years old F.P.Journe has provided us with some of the most interesting and innovative watches available. Before starting his own brand in 1999, François-Paul Journe, like many talented independent watchmakers, worked behind the scenes in the Swiss watchmaking world: providing ideas, expertise and complicated movements to the large brands. One of his projects was to design and build five Grande and Petite Sonnerie movements for Piaget; in the contract, however, he retained the right to make one movement for himself. This extraordinary piece was to become the first Grande Sonnerie wristwatch with F.P.Journe on the dial. The experience Journe gained with those watches gave him a first-hand appreciation of the diversity of methods that users could employ to damage the fragile and incredibly complicated movement that is at the heart of a Grande Sonnerie. The gold movement for the Sonnerie Souveraine is the first F.P.Journe movement to be completely manufactured in their very own workshops. It takes a truly great watchmaker to make a Grande Sonnerie, and very few experienced watchmakers are capable of assembling and adjusting a minute repeater, so assembling and adjusting a Grande Sonnerie with a minute repeater that functions within a case that fits comfortably on the wrist is incredibly complicated, and highlights the true quality and craftsmanship of this watch.