The Collection of a European Nobleman

Geneva, May 11, 2008

LOT 25

Tourbillon Souverain F.P. Journe, "Invenit et Fecit", "Remontoir d'Egalité - Tourbillon Souverain", No. 266/03T. Made in 2003. Very fine and rare, platinum chronometer wristwatch with visible one-minute tourbillon regulator and constant force remontoir, 42-hour power reserve indication and a platinum F.P. Journe buckle. Accompanied by a certificate.

CHF 55,000 - 75,000

EUR 35,000 - 47,000 / USD 55,000 - 75,000

Sold: CHF 75,600

C. Two-body, solid, polished, transparent case back with 6 screws, winding crown engine-turned with "cordes de Marseille" pattern, sapphire crystals. D. 18K brushed white gold, subsidiary white guilloche dial with painted Arabic numerals secured to a brushed 18K white gold plate, apertures for the constant force remontoir at 6 and tourbillon regulator under a polished steel bridge at 9, up and down indication at 11. Blued steel Journe hands. M. Cal. 1498, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 25 jewels, lateral lever escapement with one-minute tourbillon regulator with "A"-shaped tourbillon frame and polished steel bridge, monometallic 4-arm balance with 4 timing weights, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring with Phillips terminal curve, constant-force remontoir with 18K gold wheel and blade spring, controlled by a spinning vane and armed once a second by the force of the mainspring, insuring a steady flow of power to the balance for a more constant rate. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness: 10 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Notes

The remontoir is a rare horological device, hitherto unknown in a wristwatch, designed to provide a constant force to the balance. It's a supplementary buffer spring that is kept wound by the main power source. Releasing a constant energy directly to the escapement, it aims to counter the fluctuations in the going train and the diminishing power of the mainspring. F.P. Journe's unique version of the remontoir consists of a small blade spring between the going-train and the tourbillon. It is armed once a second by the mainspring. Governed by a spinning vane, it delivers the constant force that the tourbillon escapement needs to perform at its best. In the Tourbillon Souverain, the remontoir ensures that the rate remains the same whether the watch is fully wound or at the end of its power reserve. The maximum loss of amplitude is 20° from a flat to a vertical position. (Courtesy of the F.P. Journe website, www.fpjourne.com).