F. P. Journe

In a very attractive and original condition, this Tourbillon Souverain is from the very sought after 'Reference T' series. A rare example of the third generation of the F.P. Journe Tourbillon.
Number 109/01T indicates it's from the third series of the T series and made in 2001. Until the launch of the Tourbillon Nouveau (TN) in April 2004, the Tourbillon Souverain series used the caliber 1498 rhodium-plated brass movement. These, early examples of the model, including the present watch, are very important and sought after amongst collectors worldwide. From 2004 onwards, the movement was replaced by a movement made of 18k gold caliber 1403.

Introduced at Baselworld in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain model was also the very first wristwatch ever to use the ‘Remontoire d’Egalité’, a constant force mechanism that maintains consistency in timekeeping by regulating the fluctuating force delivered by the mainspring to the escapement as it unwinds so that the tourbillon is provided with the same force throughout the duration of the watch’s 42-hour power reserve.

From the ‘Reference T’ series, four dial generations have been identified:

First generation:
"Souscription" series, only 20 pieces made, sold to collectors who paid prior to completion of the watches, as the name indicates. The watches are numbered from 1/20 to 20/20 on the dial and on the case, the dials inscribed only "Invenit et Fecit / F.P. Journe". The cock for the remontoire is rounded.

Second generation:
Reference T, the first watches made as a production series. The dials are signed “Invenit et Fecit / F.P. Journe" and "Remontoir d'Egalité". As with the Souscription watches, the cock for the remontoire is rounded.

Third generation:
Increased size power reserve numerals, almost the same size as the minutes. Flat remontoire cock.

Fourth generation:
This dial type is characterised by smaller dial screws.