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Lot Essay
This resplendent watch with precious hardstone dial is one of the most visually remarkable and incredibly rare versions of F.P. Journe’s second generation Tourbillon Souverain. Made in a highly exclusive edition of only 20 pieces in platinum to be fitted with a superb ruby dial and it is therefore elevated to a rarity of the highest level and magnificence.
The challenges of producing a dial in hardstone are well known to several of the great Swiss watch manufactures. Usually, hardstone dials are produced as a circular disk in order to make the cutting action simpler and to minimize the risk of stress points from corners. However, F.P. Journe characteristically took a different approach. While ideally the stone dial would be cut from one piece, due to the configuration of apertures on the Tourbillon Souverain dial, it would not be possible due to the small amounts of material around the tourbillon and the offset dial, as well as the constant risk of fracture during cutting. The two crescent shaped pieces above and below are still very complex with numerous curves and differing radii, as well as the screw holes which have to be drilled, making for what one can imagine is a nerve wracking experience for the maker as well as no doubt numerous failed attempts along the way, before a perfect example is produced. But all of the hard work pays off when one sees the illuminating effect created be the light passing through the ethereal purplish tone of the ruby as well as the unique signature each dial has due to the veining within the stone. While it is impressive when viewed from afar, it takes on a whole new dimension when admired through a loupe.
Stunningly attractive ultra-exclusive limited series pieces such as the present watch have always been almost impossible to obtain, usually only available by invitation or upon request from F.P. Journe, they are now unquestionably regarded as some of the most important examples of each model.
Tourbillon Souverain Ref. TN
Introduced in 2004, the 'Reference TN' for 'Tourbillon Nouveau' is the direct descendant of the celebrated ‘Reference T’ - F.P. Journe’s first production watch but also the very first wristwatch ever to use a constant force remontoire. The Tourbillon Souverain, undoubtedly one of the greats among F.P. Journe's horologic masterworks, is distinguished by its complications, combing a one-minute tourbillon with a constant force remontoir. The remontoir provides a constant force to the balance, hence maintaining an equal rate of force whether the watch is fully wound or not and increasing the precision. François-Paul Journe's ingenious masterpiece is the first wristwatch combining a remontoir d'égalité, dead beat seconds and a tourbillon regulator.
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.
The challenges of producing a dial in hardstone are well known to several of the great Swiss watch manufactures. Usually, hardstone dials are produced as a circular disk in order to make the cutting action simpler and to minimize the risk of stress points from corners. However, F.P. Journe characteristically took a different approach. While ideally the stone dial would be cut from one piece, due to the configuration of apertures on the Tourbillon Souverain dial, it would not be possible due to the small amounts of material around the tourbillon and the offset dial, as well as the constant risk of fracture during cutting. The two crescent shaped pieces above and below are still very complex with numerous curves and differing radii, as well as the screw holes which have to be drilled, making for what one can imagine is a nerve wracking experience for the maker as well as no doubt numerous failed attempts along the way, before a perfect example is produced. But all of the hard work pays off when one sees the illuminating effect created be the light passing through the ethereal purplish tone of the ruby as well as the unique signature each dial has due to the veining within the stone. While it is impressive when viewed from afar, it takes on a whole new dimension when admired through a loupe.
Stunningly attractive ultra-exclusive limited series pieces such as the present watch have always been almost impossible to obtain, usually only available by invitation or upon request from F.P. Journe, they are now unquestionably regarded as some of the most important examples of each model.
Tourbillon Souverain Ref. TN
Introduced in 2004, the 'Reference TN' for 'Tourbillon Nouveau' is the direct descendant of the celebrated ‘Reference T’ - F.P. Journe’s first production watch but also the very first wristwatch ever to use a constant force remontoire. The Tourbillon Souverain, undoubtedly one of the greats among F.P. Journe's horologic masterworks, is distinguished by its complications, combing a one-minute tourbillon with a constant force remontoir. The remontoir provides a constant force to the balance, hence maintaining an equal rate of force whether the watch is fully wound or not and increasing the precision. François-Paul Journe's ingenious masterpiece is the first wristwatch combining a remontoir d'égalité, dead beat seconds and a tourbillon regulator.
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.