F.P. Journe

Tourbillon Souverain ‘Ruthenium’ | A limited edition platinum tourbillon wristwatch with constant force remontoire and power reserve indication, Circa 2001

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

4,000,000 - 8,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

PROPERTY OF AN IMPORTANT COLLECTOR

F.P. Journe

Tourbillon Souverain ‘Ruthenium’

A limited edition platinum tourbillon wristwatch with constant force remontoire and power reserve indication, Circa 2001

Dial: 18k gold coated with Ruthenium

Calibre: cal. 1498 mechanical, 25 jewels, coated with Ruthenium

Case: platinum, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws

Case number: limited edition 23/99-01T

Closure: brown F.P. Journe alligator strap and platinum buckle

Size: 40 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: F.P. Journe Certificate, additional black alligator strap, additional 18k white gold folding clasp, instruction manual and presentation box

Even though his tourbillon range is today recognised as one of his seminal works, many do not appreciate that the tourbillon complication is not only central to his brand identity, but also the identity of F.P. Journe the man. Journe was expelled from school at a young age for his disruptive behaviour, a personality defect which he would eventually use in his favour, and took refuge in his uncle’s Parisian clock restoration workshop. It was during this time that Journe was exposed to traditional watchmaking from masters like Breguet and Daniels. He would not return to school.

At the age of 20, Journe felt confident enough to start working on his own watch, a pocket watch with tourbillon and spring detent escapement, finishing it after five years. A decade later in 1991, he began working on his first wristwatch. It also housed a tourbillon, but this time incorporated a constant force mechanism known as a remontoire. Through these formative years, it is abundantly clear that the tourbillon was a key component of Journe’s development, and is a complication as significant to Journe as the perpetual calendar is to Patek Philippe.

The present watch belongs to a highly limited edition of just 99 pieces, made as the final run of the Tourbillon Souveraine reference T, after which the Tourbillon Nouvelle with dead seconds was introduced. To mark the occasion, Journe coated both the dial and movement in Ruthenium, giving this series an instantly recognisable and sleek aesthetic. To possess any Journe is special, but the Ruthenium Tourbillon stands as a significant and rare edition of the model line most dear to the man himself.

F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain ‘釕金屬系列’

限量版鉑金陀飛輪腕錶，備恆定動力裝置及動力儲備顯示，約2001年製

附帶證書、一條備用黑色鱷魚皮帶、備用白金錶釦、説明書及盒子

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."