F.P. Journe started his watchmaking career restoring clocks and pocket watches and completing commissions received from some of the world's leading luxury brands. Today, he is one of the most popular and collected watchmakers in the world.

In 1999, Journe initiated the Souscription following the footsteps of Abraham-Louis Breguet and 20 close clients and friends committed a deposit that allowed F.P. Journe to build 20 Tourbillon Souverain watches for each of them. Each watch was numbered at 1 o'clock and allowed Journe to start his own watch manufacture.

Today, the Journe 'Souscription' is extremely collectible and has risen tremendously in value in recent years. Collectors are drawn to the early hand finished dials that now exhibit some very faint scratches on the surface. The dial surface also features a layer of clean lacquer that gives an impression of text on the dial almost floats above it.

The movement, a caliber 1498, which was made by Journe himself, is manufactured entirely from rodium-plated brass. Using rodium-plated brass allowed Journe to keep the cost down and it was important for a young company. Today Journe only uses precious metal for his movements, which increases the collectability of the early Journe watches with brass movements.

Sotheby's is delighted to present the 13th Tourbillon Souverain "Souscription" ever made by the master F.P. Journe.

The Tourbillon Souverain d’Egalite is a wristwatch designed by Francois-Paul Journe in 1999 to begin his venture with his own brand, the creation of this model was an immediate success as it not only harnesses a highly complicated Tourbillon movement but it was also the first and only wristwatch to feature a remontoire (constant force device). The combination of both mechanisms allows energy within the watch to be evenly dispersed along the multiple gears from beginning to end. The watch has immediately become a staple piece for F.P. Journe and has won them many horological awards.