The first ever dedicated auction for a living independent watchmaker, The Art of F.P. Journe, was 100% sold at Christie’s Geneva on May 12, realising CHF13,665,300 / US$15,314,702.
The auction was conducted at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. The top selling lot of the sale was a platinum tourbillon souverain “souscription model” wristwatch, bearing number 2 out of 20, made circa 1999, sold for CHF 2,707,000/ $3,033,735.
The Art of F.P. Journe Auction Highlights
Tourbillon Souverain
Arguably F.P.Journe’s most famous wristwatch model is the Tourbillon Souverain, launched in 1999, the first ever tourbillon with a remontoir d’égalité – incorporating constant force throughout the winding process to compensate for the uneven force delivered by the mainspring to the escapement as it unwinds.
Lot 2039 – Tourbillon Souverain ‘Souscription’ – an especially rare, historic and highly important platinum tourbillon wristwatch with brass movement, yellow gold dial, remontoir d’égalité and power reserve. Signed F.P. Journe, No. 2/20, circa 1999, sold for CHF2,707,000/ US$3,033,735, making it the top selling lot of the auction.
Chronomètre à Résonance
By achieving synchronicity without a physical linkage, resonance considerably reduces the effects of wrist and body movements. François-Paul Journe became the first watchmaker to incorporate this tremendous improvement in precision into the smaller available volume of a wristwatch, an incredible achievement of modern horology.
This represented the second highest selling piece, Lot 2038 – Chronometre a Resistance “Pre-Souscription” – an exceedingly rare and early platinum chronometer wristwatch with resonance – controlled twin independent geartrain brass movement, pink gold dial and power reserve. Signed F.P. Journe, No.040/00R, circa 2000 which sold for CHF1,376,000 / US$1,542,083.
Centigraphe
The Centigraphe Souverain was developed with the aim of producing the perfect chronograph for the world of automotive racing.
This category was led by Lot 2032 – Centigraphe Souverain Formula Edition – an exclusive and highly desirable platinum ergonomic chronograph wristwatch with 100th of a second, 20th second, 10 minute registers, red chrome dial. Signed F.P. Journe, No. 096-CT, circa 2010. Sold for CHF529,200 / US$593,074.
