F.P. Journe Tourbillon Vertical in Platinum
Collection : Tourbillon Vertical
Model reference : TV Platinum
Case/Size : Platinum, 42mm
Dial : Rose Gold
Movement : Manual-winding
Functions : Tourbillon, power reserve, seconds
Specificity : Dead-beat second
Condition / Year : Very Good / 2020
Accessories : Accompanied by a leather card holder with "FP Journe" international warranty card, product literature and a wooden presentation box
The history of F.P. Journe goes hand in hand with the story of the Tourbillon collection because his first pocketwatch he made took him 5 years, it had a tourbillon and spring detent escapement, that was back in 1983.
After a few years, in 1991 the first F.P. Journe wristwatch was born, it was a tourbillon with a remontoir d’égalité (constant force device), initially he proposed it to a few big brands but nothing really materialised.
From 1996 he started to develop high end calibers for famous watch brands but was fed up to give, quote : “pearls to swines”, he decided in 1999 to raise money to make his first 20 Tourbillon watches, called : Tourbillon Souverain Souscription.
20 collectors paid 50% to get an individually numbered piece.
The current generation of “Tourbillon Souverain” that we know, was made in two major references, the “T” from 1999 to 2004, made in a 38mm case either platinum or rose gold with brass movement, a few limited pieces in ruthenium were made also.
And then from 2004 to 2018 we have the current “TN” reference with Remontoir and “Natural Dead Seconds” complication made in 38 and 40mm, also in platinum and rose gold cases but the movement is in rose gold.
The watch won the 2004 Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève’s award of “ Aiguille d’Or ”.
In 2013, to mark its 30th anniversary of his first tourbillon pocketwatch, Mr Journe made a limited run of 99 pieces for its most loyal customers, called the Tourbillon Historique (reference T30) with a case made in silver & gold and movement in brass. The same year a limited edition of 10 pieces called the “T10” to commermorate a decade of Journe’s first Tokyo boutique and the opening of his 10th Beirut boutique.
Almost identical to the “T30” but with a platinum case and black and white, and the caliber rose gold. In 2015 we saw the release of a special 38mm – 5 pieces set in steel which had a tourbillon
In celebration of the Tourbillon’s 20th Anniversary in 2019, F.P. Journe introduced the “Tourbillon Souverain Vertical,” a remarkable timepiece available in both platinum and rose gold variations. The model we have here showcases a 42mm platinum case, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and design.
What truly sets this watch apart is its 18K rose gold dial, which is a true work of art. The dial features meticulously hand-engraved bridges, enhanced with a captivating “Clou de Paris” guilloché pattern, adding a layer of sophistication and intricacy to the overall aesthetic. At 3 o’clock, you’ll find a Grand Feu enamel hour dial accompanied by a small seconds counter, adding practicality to the watch’s timeless beauty.
Blued steel hands gracefully indicate the hours and minutes, while a dedicated seconds hand and a power-reserve indicator complete the dial’s functionality. However, the pièce de résistance is the vertical tourbillon cage, which is unlike the traditional horizontal ones. This vertical placement ensures a constant tourbillon function, whether the watch is lying flat or placed on its side, offering a unique and mesmerizing visual experience.
The tourbillon with remontoir d’égalité performs a revolution in just 30 seconds, twice as fast as its predecessor, creating an astonishing visual effect that captivates the observer.
Turning the watch over, you’ll discover the mesmerizing manual-winding movement in rose gold through the sapphire case-back. The base plate features circular “Geneva Waves” decoration, adding another layer of elegance to the timepiece. However, all attention is drawn to the vertical tourbillon, with its unique architecture and harmonious cone-shaped mirror-polished ring that beautifully captures and concentrates light.
With an impressive 80-hour power reserve, fortunate owners of this watch can revel in the spectacular visual effects that this horological masterpiece offers. The F.P. Journe “Tourbillon Souverain Vertical” is not just a watch; it’s a testament to the artistry and innovation that defines F.P. Journe’s timepieces.
F.P. Journe
