Phillips auctioned one of the first F.P. Journe ever

Back in 1999 François Paul Journe did not have the necessary capital to start his own tourbillon wristwatch production.

He had to raise down payments from twenty friends and existing clients to found his own brand, and producing the first twenty Tourbillon Souverain.

This “subscription” system have been used 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, recognizable by an engraved number near the traditional two o’clock.

These watches are extremely sought after trophies within the collectors community, and many of the original owners eagerly hold into them, hence creating a remarkable shortage of supply for these masterpieces.

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.

Number nine of this twenty first Toubillon Souverain have been seen during the Phillips Geneva auction that took place the 7^th and 8^th of November.

This spectacular timepiece have been estimated between 80,000-120,000 CHF and have been hammered at the incredible price of 269,000 CHF, more then double its retail and estimated price.

I healthy envy the gentleman that added such a masterpiece to his collection, a true milestone in modern watchmaking.