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 craftsmanship 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.

This Black Label Collection Tourbillon Souverain bears all of the historical importance of the brand’s foundational timepiece while adding another layer of exclusivity and complexity. Created for existing Journe collectors and sold through boutiques, there were no more than 100 (perhaps even no more than 50) of these black-dial timepieces produced between 2005 and 2016. Unlike its predecessor, this timepiece also exhibits a dead beat second alongside the remontoire and tourbillon complications.

And here lies the real beauty of the Tourbillon Souverain Black Label, its mechanical excellence. There, very few brands can hold a candle to Journe’s technical sophistication in watchmaking. 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 sits at the pinnacle of what makes François-Paul Journe “Journe,” a living legend in the game.

The Details

Brand: F.P. Journe

Model: F.P. Journe Tourbillon Black Label Souverain

Movement: Manual winding: 20 turns of the crown. Movement in 18K Rose Gold: 26 Jewels.

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

Overall Dimensions: 32,40mm

Case Diameter: 38 mm/40.00 mm

Particularities:

• 15 tooth escape wheel
• 90° anchor fork
• balance with 4 inertia weights
• pinned stud
• free-sprung
• spring pinned to collet
• 2 position winding cron

Characteristics: Tourbillon with constant force and dead seconds. Time adjustment by crown in position 2.

Frequency: 21'600 VPH, 3Hz

Finishes: High Quality. Circular stripes on the bridges. Geneva waves on baseplate. Screw heads polished and bevelled. Pegs with polished rounded ends.