In a recent article we talked about an incredible Daytona Rainbow Zenith that will be sold by Phillips at the “Reloaded: The Rebirth of Mechanical Watchmaking” auction. Today, however, we will focus on two specimens born from the mind of Francois Paul Journe at the beginning of his career as an independent watchmaker.

The first specimen, dated 1993, is officially the first wristwatch ever sold by F.P. Journe and will be auctioned by Phillips; the second specimen, on the other hand, will be sold by Antiquorum and is one of the Souscription models sold in 1999 with a rather peculiar history.

Let’s find out about both in detail.

Phillips – F.P. Journe Tourbillon à Remontoire d’Egalité 15/93

The first specimen we want to tell you about is lot 14 of the auction “Reloaded: The Rebirth of Mechanical Watchmaking,” organized by Phillips. This is the second wristwatch ever produced by François-Paul Journe and the first one ever sold, as the previous specimen is still jealously guarded in Journe’s own private collection.

This timepiece is a magnificent 38 mm platinum case, housing one of the brand’s most iconic movements, equipped with a Tourbillon and the Remontoire d’Égalité constant-force mechanism. The dial is engraved with 15/93, indicating the production number and year of manufacture, details that help make it unique. Another example with the same characteristics was made in the same year and bears the later production number on the dial.

Although it is clear who the mastermind behind this timepiece is, and although some technical choices have remained unchanged in modern models, this watch has numerous differences and special features. Aesthetically, one can immediately notice that the small dial at three o’clock has Breguet hands and features Cloud de Paris workmanship that is different from the usual. The gold dial, as well as the entire movement, has acquired a slight patina over time, especially in the area of the power reserve engravings at 11 o’clock, giving the watch a charming vintage look.

This specimen is one of the most interesting pieces at auction over the weekend and, no doubt, will attract the attention of many independent watch enthusiasts. Phillips’ estimate confirms its great value, with a valuation in excess of EUR 2,130,000.

Antiquorum – F.P. Journe Tourbillon à Remontoire d’Egalité Souscription

The example that will be sold by Phillips undoubtedly represents one of Journe’s most important creations ever and will attract a lot of attention. However, another incredibly relevant Tourbillon will be offered for sale by Antiquorum and it is a watch that carries with it a story worth telling.

In 1999, François Paul Journe decided to sell twenty Tourbillon timepieces with the aim of launching an independent brand, thus financing the birth of the brand that bears his name. In order to incentivize collectors to buy these timepieces, he promised to number them and to give the possibility in the future to have watches with the same numbering, obviously between 1 and 20.

Although the intent was to produce only 20 Souscription pieces, 34 different cases were ordered, and given the incredible interest, Journe probably decided to produce an additional 14 pieces, including the watch to be sold by Antiquorum. These pieces, also classified as Souscription, have a few differences, chief among them the absence of numbering on the dial, similar to that of later series.

The story behind this specimen is particularly interesting and we are sure it will attract the attention of Journe enthusiasts as much as the specimen that will be sold by Phillips. The estimate is available upon request, but experts expect it to reach figures in excess of EUR 1.5 million.

Conclusion

Interest in the creations of master François-Paul Journe is steadily growing, and on the occasion of this weekend, we will have the opportunity to admire two truly extraordinary specimens. While sharing the same creative philosophy, these watches have some differences that make them unique and incredibly rare.

Which of the two Tourbillons will attract the most spotlight?

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