F.P. Journe: Profiling the Tourbillon Soverain Vertical
Known for mitigating the effect of gravity on the tourbillon complication, join us as we explore the history-making F.P. Journe Tourbillon Soverain Vertical.
"I nvenit et Fecit," meaning "Invented and Made," encapsulates the essence of FP Journe's philosophy as an independent watchmaker. Crafted with precision and passion, the brand has garnered a dedicated collector community, owing to its relentless approach to craftsmanship and innovation. Sotheby's have brought to market many exceptional FP Journe watches in recent years, with the unique and rare characteristics of each example drawing significant interest among collectors.
Here, we explore the remarkable FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain, through a superlative example available in Sotheby's upcoming Important Watches sale in New York. The lot is presented with an estimate of 300,000 - 600,000 USD.
The FP Journe Tourbillion Souverain
This FP Journe watch is the brand's signature model, known for its groundbreaking and award-winning use of the remontoir d'Égalité.
Launched in 1999, it became the first tourbillon wristwatch to incorporate the remarkable dual complications. The remontoir d'Égalité delivers a consistent force to the escapement, stabilizing the variable energy output from the mainspring as it unwinds. This innovation not only optimizes precision but has helped the Tourbillon Souverain maintain its reputation as one of the most accurate wristwatches available today.
In 2019, FP Journe commemorated the 20th anniversary of his tourbillon movement by introducing the FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain Vertical. This redesign hinges on a fundamental improvement: rotating the tourbillon cage 90 degrees from the standard configuration to counteract gravitational effects on the balance wheel, even when the watch lies flat.
In traditional configurations, a tourbillon positioned parallel to the dial is ineffective when the watch is flat since gravity’s pull is perpendicular to the rotating cage. However, with this vertical orientation, the FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain Vertical remains responsive to gravitational disturbances in nearly any position.
In the words of François-Paul Journe, “I designed this vertical tourbillon so that the tourbillon’s functions remain constant whether the watch lies flat or is placed on its side, and the amplitude is subsequently the same, whether with a deployant clasp lying on the side or with an ardillon buckle lying flat.”
The new model also features a faster tourbillon rotation, doubling the original speed to a 30-second rotation. Design-wise, the tourbillon is surrounded by highly polished surfaces on both sides of the cradle, creating a visual treat when viewing the rotating cage.
Buy or Sell an FP Journe Watch with Sotheby's
At Sotheby’s our FP Journe experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary examples to market, making us well placed to advise clients on the sale or acquisition of an FP Journe watch. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
- Explore upcoming watch auctions across the globe
- Speak to our specialists about selling your FP Journe watch, for advice on an auction lot, or to explore private sales opportunities
- Research your FP Journe investment using our extensive sale archive
- Browse our range of carefully curated luxury watches available for immediate delivery, all with assured provenance
Trust our worldwide network of watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
