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Lot Essay
This stunningly attractive platinum Tourbillon Souverain is from the highly sought after 'Reference T' series and a superb example of the 3rd generation of the model. Its number, 228/03T, indicates that it is the 228th watch of the series, made in 2003. The charming untouched yellow gold dial is beautifully textured, displaying the myriad reflections and shimmer that is so desirable to see on an early Journe timepiece. The small-size dial screws are a distinguishing feature of the third generation of the ‘reference T’ Tourbillon Souverain.
Until the launch of the ‘Reference TN’ or ‘Tourbillon Nouveau’ in April 2004, the Tourbillon Souverain series used the caliber 1498 rhodium-plated brass movement. From 2004 onwards, it was replaced by a movement made of 18K gold christened caliber 1403. Consequently, early examples of the model, including the present watch, fitted with rhodium-plated brass movements are now recognized as important and historic milestones in the brand’s history and have become highly prized by collectors.
Tourbillon Souverain
The ‘Tourbillon Souverain’ is arguably Journe’s most famous wristwatch model and still one of the most accurate on the market today. Launched in 1999, it was the first ever tourbillon with a remontoire d’egalité, the first time a remontoire device had ever been used in a wristwatch. The remontoire d’egalité is a mechanism which delivers a constant force throughout the duration of winding, therefore the variable force delivered by the mainspring to the escapement as it unwinds is equalized. The Tourbillon Souverain’s combination of remontoire with tourbillon successfully showcases F. P. Journe's technical and design genius in the creation of a highly complicated modern wristwatch yet one whose roots are firmly in the great horological traditions. François-Paul Journe's ingenious masterpiece - The Tourbillon Souverain, received the ‘Aiguille d’Or’ prize at the Geneva ‘Grand Prix d’Horlogerie’ in 2004. It was also elected watch of the year at the ‘Watch of the Year’ grand prize in Japan in 2004.
Until the launch of the ‘Reference TN’ or ‘Tourbillon Nouveau’ in April 2004, the Tourbillon Souverain series used the caliber 1498 rhodium-plated brass movement. From 2004 onwards, it was replaced by a movement made of 18K gold christened caliber 1403. Consequently, early examples of the model, including the present watch, fitted with rhodium-plated brass movements are now recognized as important and historic milestones in the brand’s history and have become highly prized by collectors.
Tourbillon Souverain
The ‘Tourbillon Souverain’ is arguably Journe’s most famous wristwatch model and still one of the most accurate on the market today. Launched in 1999, it was the first ever tourbillon with a remontoire d’egalité, the first time a remontoire device had ever been used in a wristwatch. The remontoire d’egalité is a mechanism which delivers a constant force throughout the duration of winding, therefore the variable force delivered by the mainspring to the escapement as it unwinds is equalized. The Tourbillon Souverain’s combination of remontoire with tourbillon successfully showcases F. P. Journe's technical and design genius in the creation of a highly complicated modern wristwatch yet one whose roots are firmly in the great horological traditions. François-Paul Journe's ingenious masterpiece - The Tourbillon Souverain, received the ‘Aiguille d’Or’ prize at the Geneva ‘Grand Prix d’Horlogerie’ in 2004. It was also elected watch of the year at the ‘Watch of the Year’ grand prize in Japan in 2004.