Beschreibung:

112 F.P. Journe
Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 1999 Case No: N°9/20 Model Name: Tourbillon Souverain Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1498, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box and certificate Catalogue Essay Founded by François-Paul Journe in 1999, the F.P. Journe brand is just 16 years young, but already as established and highly considered by collectors as many distinguished manufacturers with century old heritage. In the eyes of many of the worlds savviest collectors, they are producing some of the finest wristwatches the market has ever seen. The present watch is extremely rare, and one of the very first Tourbillon Souverain’s the company ever produced. The 38 millimetres watch is encased in platinum, and was produced in 1999 when the company was first founded. This watch is number 9 of 20 made, and features a gorgeous 18k yellow gold dial that includes “9/20” on the dial, also engraved on the outer rim of the caseback. The sapphire crystal caseback allows us to admire the hand finishing and details of the movement as well as through the two small apertures on the front of the dial. François Paul Journe did not have the necessary capital to start his own tourbillon wristwatch production back in 1999 when a friend reminded him of a concept already once successfully applied over two hundred years earlier: the "subscription" system applied by Abraham Breguet when revitalizing his business after the French revolution. François Paul Journe successfully raised down payments from twenty friends and existing clients, and created with this funding the first twenty tourbillon wristwatches. These watches are extremely sought after trophies within the collectors community, and many of the original owners eagerly hold onto them, hence creating a remarkable shortage of supply for these masterpieces. To the best of our knowledge, only one single watch of this highly limited edition has returned to the auction market, and consequently represents an extraordinarily rare opportunity for the connoisseur collector to acquire a contemporary wristwatch, which is already today considered historical. The in-house F.P. Journe movement is made of rhodium-plated brass, and is fitted with a remontoire – a constant force device. This mechanism was first incorporated in one of Journe’s pocket watches in 1982, and featured for the first time inside a wristwatch in this example. When launched, this wristwatch was one of the most exclusive, well-crafted tourbillons to hit the market, and is accompanied by a certificate of origin signed by Journe. This truly spectacular and incredibly rare piece is sure to make a wonderful addition to collectors of rare precision timepieces. Read More