F. P. Journe Tourbillon

This quintessential second-generation 40mm platinum Tourbillon Souverain paired with an 18-carat rose gold dial is a configuration that is particularly sought after. The second-generation, reference TN, builds upon its predecessor reference T, with the addition of dead seconds and a new calibre 1403. This particular reference was produced from 2004 to 2018 and replaced by the third-generation Vertical Tourbillon.

The Complication that set the sails 

The Tourbillon complication holds a special place in the history of F. P. Journe. The likes of both George Daniels and Abraham Louis Bréguet inspired F. P. Journe to create his own tourbillon, it took five arduous years to complete his first tourbillon pocket watch, signed F. P. Journe – A Paris. Today, this pocket watch marks one of the most important milestones in François-Paul’s career and set him on his path to becoming an independent watchmaker. To build a tourbillon from scratch was simply uncommon back then. In 1999, after having established Montres Journe SA, the brand F. P. Journe presented its first wristwatch which was a Tourbillon Souverain a Remontoir d’egalité. 

A late partner of the brand, Gino, vividly recollects the warm reception that the Tourbillon generated …   

“It was simply amazing, everyone found it beautiful, it was original, following the rules of Bréguet and it was a question of accuracy … the remontoir d’egalité was unique the tourbillon would work even if you only had 30 minutes of power reserve. It was quite a success” 

Our example

This second-generation 40mm platinum F. P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain (TN) features a textured ‘grainy’ rose gold dial, in addition, the separate silvery guilloché dial for the hours, minutes and seconds would be best described as ‘matte’ white. The dial remains in immaculate condition, showing virtually no signs of oxidation. The combination of the grey platinum case paired with a 18-carat rose gold dial is a combination that is particularly sought-after. 

The dial is signed ‘F. P. Journe – Invenit et Fecit’ between 10-2 o’clock. The power reserve is found just above the tourbillon cage and sub-dial, once fully wound the movement reads 0, paying homage to marine chronometers. The second-generation tourbillon (ref, TN) can be distinguished from the first generation tourbillon (ref, T) due to the addition of the dead seconds found at 6 o’clock, the dial is also signed ‘Remontoir d’Egalité avec Seconde Morte’. 

The movement

The distinction between the manually wound and automatic movements can be divided into the following: Octa (automatic) and Souverain (manually wound). 

The Tourbillon Souvain is powered by caliber 1403 naturally, the movement is François Paul’s unique creation. The power reserve of the entire souverain collection is based on antique marine chronometers, the power reserve indicator shows the number of hours elapsed since the watch was last wound. Therefore, when fully wound the indicator reads “0” as it has been zero hours since last wound. In his quest for chronometric performance, François-Paul invented his own interpretation of a constant force mechanism named the remontoir d’egalité, the use of the remontoir – a constant force device – can be compared to a dam that controls the flow of water and provides constant energy to the blades of a turbine. In effect, the remontoir regulates the power to the escapement to attain greater stability in rate. The adjustable inertia weights make it possible to optimize the amplitude of oscillation; the four-armed balance beats at a frequency of 21’600 v/h.

The Set

This remarkable, F. P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain is accompanied by both its inner and outer boxes, warranty card, F. P. Journe cloth, and its original strap.

Brand: F. P. Journe
Model: Tourbillon Souverain (TN)
Movement: Caliber 1403, manual
Case Diameter: 40mm
Year: 2005 (sold)
Box & Papers: Full set.