Newly Available Watches from Leading Independent Watchmakers

F ounded in 1999 by François-Paul Journe, FP Journe has solidified its status as a pioneering force in independent watchmaking. Renowned for its commitment to "Invenit et Fecit" (Latin for "Invented and Made"), the brand emphasizes innovation and precision. With a portfolio of timepieces featuring groundbreaking complications like constant-force mechanisms and tourbillons, F.P. Journe has redefined modern haute horology. Its limited production ensures exclusivity, making its creations highly sought after among collectors.

Find our full collection of FP Journe watches here including both our auction lots and latest buy-now listings.

This striking Chronomètre à Résonance is a superb example of the revered FP Journe model.

When many hear the name Francois-Paul Journe they immediately think of the Chronomètre a Résonance. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable watches from FP Journe, representative of the quintessence of his craftsmanship both aesthetically and technically.

At first glance the FP Journe Résonance may deceive as a simple dual time watch. However, on the contrary, it not only has an aesthetically appealing watch face, but it also holds a very exciting and technologically advanced movement. As its name suggests, the FP Journe Résonance adopts a pair of balance wheels that not only power the two-time zones displayed, but most astonishingly serve together as an exciter and resonator which provides more inertia to the movement and results in greater accuracy of time.

The watch draws its inspiration from Dutch mathematician Christiaan Hygens who circa 1665 observed two pendulum clocks placed on the same wall swinging in perfect duplicity. In 1983, François-Paul Journe, a celebrated modern watchmaker, created a pocket watch utilizing this resonance effect. Nearly 17 years later, he became the first to apply it in a wristwatch.

The FP Journe Boutique Edition Black Label Centigraphe in platinum is an exceptional chronograph that exemplifies the brand's innovation and exclusivity. Reserved for F.P. Journe boutiques and available only to existing clients, this timepiece is a rare and coveted piece of haute horology.

The Centigraphe features a groundbreaking manual-winding chronograph complication capable of measuring time down to 1/100th of a second. Its unique layout includes three subdials displaying intervals of 1 second, 20 seconds, and 10 minutes, offering unparalleled precision and legibility.

The FP Journe Boutique Edition Black Label Perpetual Calendar in platinum is a masterpiece of haute horology, combining the brand's technical ingenuity with its signature aesthetic refinement. This rare model was exclusively available through FP Journe boutiques to established clients.

This exceptional watch features a perpetual calendar complication, displaying the day, date, month, and leap year cycle, all automatically adjusted for varying month lengths.

This striking FP Journe Octa Automatique Reserve Nacre timepiece, from the FP Journe Octa series produced between 2009 and 2016, is another rare boutique-only model.

Housed in platinum with a mother-of-pearl dial featuring arabic numerals, the refined design was completed by the guilloche clous de paris in its centre. In terms of indications this model featured centre hours and minutes, small seconds at 4:30, date and power-reserve indicator at 9:00.

Handpicked by our Sotheby's specialists and presented in very good condition, this fine FP Journe model is available for immediate delivery.

S ince its establishment in 2002, De Bethune has captured the imagination of horology enthusiasts with its avant-garde approach to traditional watchmaking. Combining cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship, the brand is celebrated for its innovative materials and unique designs, such as blued titanium and starry sky dials. By seamlessly blending science and artistry, the creations of De Bethune are not just watches but expressions of modern mechanical poetry, representing the future of independent watchmaking.

The De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius is a masterpiece that exemplifies the brand's fusion of traditional watchmaking artistry and innovative customization. Its standout feature is a customizable starry sky on the dial, meticulously crafted with gold pins against a deep blue background treated with De Bethune's proprietary blueing technique. This allows wearers to personalize the constellation to match a specific time and place, adding a deeply personal and poetic touch to the watch.

Housed in a 42mm polished rose gold titanium case, the DB25 Starry Varius offers both elegance and durability, complemented by its signature hollowed lugs for enhanced comfort. The manual-winding DB2109V4 movement provides a robust 6-day power reserve, featuring De Bethune's innovative balance wheel and a triple shock-absorbing system, ensuring precision and reliability. The case back is adorned with sapphire crystal, revealing the finely finished movement and further showcasing the brand’s dedication to technical excellence.

Presented in like-new condition with box and papers, this fine De Bethune is available for immediate delivery.

B ernhard Lederer’s eponymous brand epitomizes the convergence of tradition and innovation in independent watchmaking. Driven by a fearless passion for exploring the uncharted realms of horology, Lederer crafts timepieces that are both technically ambitious and artistically refined. His creations, rooted in meticulous craftsmanship and bold imagination, reflect a philosophy of pushing boundaries while honoring the timeless principles of watchmaking .

The Lederer Watches Central Impulse Chronometer was the culmination of a decade of Bernhard Lederer's dedication, resulting in being awarded the GPHG 2021 innovation prize. This watch was part of a limited edition of 25 pieces.

This timepiece boasts a refined 44mm white gold case with a captivating dial showcasing intricate patterns and dual openworked small seconds. The watch is powered by the innovative Calibre 9012, a Lederer in-house movement with independent double-wheel escapement and dual remontoirs – concept, engineering, construction, hand-finishing and assembly all completed at Lederer atelier.

Certified as a chronometer by the Besançon Observatory and COSC, this timepiece's unique escapement system ensures consistent torque delivery, exceptional performance, and synchronized seconds hands throughout its power reserve, setting it apart as a pinnacle of horological achievement.