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Lot Essay
In superb and original condition with a charming white gold dial, this Tourbillon Souverain is from the highly sought after 'Reference T' series and an example of the 3rd generation of the model. Its number, 077/01T, indicates that it is the 77th watch of the series, made in 2001. 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.
Introduced at Baselworld in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain ‘Reference T’ has the distinction of being F.P. Journe’s first series production watch following on from the success of the initial group of 20 Souscription watches. 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.
Introduced at Baselworld in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain ‘Reference T’ has the distinction of being F.P. Journe’s first series production watch following on from the success of the initial group of 20 Souscription watches. 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.