F. P. Journe

The Tourbillon Souverain from F.P. Journe is his signature model, known for its groundbreaking and award-winning use of the remontoir d'Égalité. Launched in 1999, it became the first tourbillon wristwatch to incorporate these dual complications. The remontoir d'Égalité delivers a consistent force to the escapement, stabilizing the variable energy output from the mainspring as it unwinds. This innovation not only optimizes precision but has helped the Tourbillon Souverain maintain its reputation as one of the most accurate wristwatches available today.

In 2019, F.P. Journe commemorated the 20th anniversary of his tourbillon movement by introducing the Tourbillon Souverain Vertical. This redesign hinges on a fundamental improvement: rotating the tourbillon cage 90 degrees from the standard configuration to counteract gravitational effects on the balance wheel, even when the watch lies flat. In traditional configurations, a tourbillon positioned parallel to the dial is ineffective when the watch is flat since gravity’s pull is perpendicular to the rotating cage. However, with this vertical orientation, the Tourbillon Souverain Vertical remains responsive to gravitational disturbances in nearly any position. In his own words, “I designed this vertical tourbillon so that the tourbillon’s functions remain constant whether the watch lies flat or is placed on its side, and the amplitude is subsequently the same, whether with a deployant clasp lying on the side or with an ardillon buckle lying flat.”

The new model also features a faster tourbillon rotation, doubling the original speed to a 30-second rotation. Design-wise, the tourbillon is surrounded by highly polished surfaces on both sides of the cradle, creating a visual treat when viewing the rotating cage.