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I n recent years the watches of FP Journe have become symbols of excellence in independent watchmaking, reflected in a considerable collector following. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, historical inspiration, and technical mastery has made these pieces some of the most sought-after in the industry. This article highlights the five most expensive FP Journe watches sold at Sotheby’s, showcasing their unique features, rarity and importance in horological history.
This FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain Souscription was sold for 15,905,000 HKD in October 2021.
The Tourbillon Souverain Souscription is a landmark piece from 1999, marking the very beginning of Francois-Paul Journe’s independent watchmaking venture. This limited-edition watch is one of only 20 pieces that Journe crafted to fund the launch of his brand. Featuring a platinum case, yellow gold dial and a rodium-plated brass movement, it exemplifies the brand’s blend of traditional craftsmanship with innovative mechanics. The constant-force remontoire mechanism, combined with a tourbillon, ensured consistent energy flow throughout the movement—an engineering marvel at the time.
This example, numbered 13/20, held particular significance. The original owner was part of the exclusive circle that trusted Journe with an advance deposit, allowing him to realize his dream of establishing his brand. Over time, the lacquered dial had developed faint surface marks, enhancing the character of the piece. Collectors highly value the early use of brass movements, as the brand later transitioned to using precious metals, increasing the desirability of these early models.
This FP Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Pre-production Pre-Souscription was sold for 1,071,000 CHF in November 2022.
Produced in 1999, the Chronomètre à Résonance Pre-production Pre-Souscription was a pivotal piece in the FP Journe catalog. This watch is one of approximately 10 pre-production models, which made it an extraordinarily rare find. Designed before the official launch of the FP Journe brand, it featured a 38mm platinum case, a manual-winding movement with 36 jewels, and a white gold dial finished with a unique shimmering texture.
This specific watch was numbered 028/99R and was the eighth of its kind, distinguished by hand-engraved case markings that predated the laser-engraving technique used in later editions. Its use of resonance—a phenomenon where two oscillating movements synchronize for enhanced accuracy—reflects the brand’s deep appreciation for horological history, drawing inspiration from Breguet and Daniels.
This FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Egalite was sold in June 2022 for 882,000 USD.
Another example from the foundational period of FP Journe, the Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Egalite demonstrated the mastery of combining a constant-force device with a tourbillon. Housed in a platinum case with a pink dial, this model belonged to the third generation of the early Souscription series, with only about 30 examples believed to have been made in that year.
This particular watch was numbered 53/99T and acquired directly from Journe in 1999 by a significant collector. It had been worn sparingly, retaining its original components. The brass movement and developing patina on the dial emphasized the charm and authenticity of this piece. As one of the earliest independent creations by Journe, this lot was a prized possession among connoisseurs, representing the fusion of striking aesthetics and mechanical ingenuity.
This FP Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Pré-Souscription was sold for 571,500 CHF in November 2023.
The Chronomètre à Résonance Pré-Souscription, made in 2000, captured the FP Journe ethos of elegance and precision. It was one of the earliest dual-time watches with a power reserve indicator and featured a pink gold dial housed in a platinum case. With fewer than 20 examples created in this series, these watches are among the most desirable for collectors, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process before the full launch of the FP Journe brand.
This FP Journe watch, numbered 033/00R, came to market in superb condition. Collectors prize this watch not only for its rarity but also for its technical brilliance, including its resonance mechanism—a feature that remains central to the reputation of FP Journe watches.
This FP Journe Ruthenium Chronomètre à Résonance No. 1 was sold for 533,400 CHF in May 2023.
The Ruthenium Chronomètre à Résonance is celebrated not only for its technical innovation but also for its significance as a transition piece. It represents the final chapter in production of brass movements at FP Journe before shifting to solid gold calibres. This rare piece offered a dual-time function enhanced by the phenomenon of resonance, delivering exceptional precision. The ruthenium coating—a rare metal often used in platinum production—added a dark, striking visual contrast to the platinum case, making it both visually unique and technically sophisticated.
This Chronomètre à Résonance stood apart as the very first in the limited series of 99 watches, marked as 01/99-01R. The Ruthenium series also included four other models: the Tourbillon Souverain, Réserve de Marche, Octa Chronographe, and Octa Calendrier, with only 99 examples made of each. The lot’s unique status as number one further enhanced its collectibility, cementing it as one of the brand’s most significant early timepieces.
The five FP Journe watches highlighted above underscore the enduring appeal of the brand’s early work and its contributions to modern watchmaking. Each piece offered a unique combination of craftsmanship, history, and technical innovation, making them highly coveted among collectors. As values for these watches continued to rise, acquiring one of these masterpieces not only represented an investment in fine horology but also in the legacy of a master watchmaker.
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 FP Journe watches. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
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