Our Take

There is no timepiece more “F.P. Journe” than the Tourbillon Souverain. This was the master watchmaker’s first timepiece as an independent brand, dating back to 1999, and showcased his now iconic design language fresh out of the gates. At the time, it burst onto the scene as the first tourbillon wristwatch with an integrated remontoire and established the brand’s classy aesthetic for decades to come. We had the pleasure of handling the rare Black Label Tourbillon Souverain in the past. Now we’re pleased to offer one of that timepiece’s siblings, Tourbillon Souverain “TN” case in platinum.

Compared to the earliest version of the Tourbillon Souverain, separated by a “T” on the case, the Tourbillon Nouveau “TN” cases marked a few evolutionary leaps: the movement moved from brass to gold, case size from 38mm to 40mm, and lastly, the addition of a dead-beat second element.

As part of this evolution for Journe, all the hallmark design elements of the watch were further established. This is the beginning of the watchmaker’s iconic dial layout with the tourbillon at 9 o’clock, dead-beat second at 6 o’clock, power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. It’s not only the dial-side of this timepiece that exudes watchmaking excellence. Caliber 1403 is crafted out of 18-carat rose gold, featuring a rementoir d’egalité, 25 jewels, and a shock-absorbing mechanism. Architecturally, as with all Journe movements, it’s hit the sweet spot of exhibiting technical sophistication without compromising how pleasing it is on the eye. Decorated with Côtes de Genève, its quality finish is exactly what we expect from the pinnacle of watchmaking.

Ultimately, the real beauty of the Tourbillon Souverain lies in its mechanical excellence. Very few brands can hold a candle to Journe’s technical capabilities as a watchmaker. To integrate a tourbillon, a remontoire, and a dead beat second, in such a cohesive manner, is nothing short of mindblowing. In this regard, this timepiece has to be considered one of the greatest in modern watchmaking. It’s what makes François-Paul Journe “Journe,” a living legend in the watchmaking game.

The Details

Brand: F.P. Journe

Model: Journe TN Tourbillon Gray Dial

Movement: Manually winding : 20 Turns of the crown, Movement in 18K rose gold

Indications: Hours and minutes à 3h00, Sub-seconds at 6h00, Power reserve at 12h00.

Dimensions:

• Overall dimensions : 32.40 mm
• Casing-up diameter : 32.00 mm
• Overall Height : 7.20 mm
• Height of winding stem : 2.53 mm
• Diameter of stem thread : S1.20 mm
• Case diameter : 38 mm / 40.00 mm
• Overall case thickness : 9.9 mm

Particularities:

• 15 tooth escape wheel
• 90° Anchor fork
• Balance with 4 inertia weights
• Flat Anachron balance spring with Breguet overcoil
• Pinned stud
• Free-sprung
• Spring pinned to collet
• 2 position winding crown

Characteristics:

• Tourbillon with constant force and dead seconds
• Manual winding
• Time adjustment by crown in position 2

Finishes:

• High quality
• Circular stripes on the bridges
• Geneva waves on baseplate
• Screw heads polished and bevelled
• Pegs with polished rounded ends