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The 5 Most Expensive F.P. Journe Watches Sold at Auction in 2024
Read on to learn more about the 5 most expensive F.P. Journe watches sold at Sotheby’s in 2024.
FP Journe has solidified its reputation as one of the most celebrated independent watchmakers, seamlessly merging horological tradition with groundbreaking innovation. Renowned for their technical mastery and distinctive aesthetics, FP Journe timepieces have become highly coveted among collectors worldwide. In 2024, Sotheby’s showcased some of the most extraordinary FP Journe watches ever brought to auction, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and rich history behind each piece. Read on to explore the five most expensive FP Journe luxury watches sold at auction this year.
FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Égalité avec Seconde Morte Joaillerie Circa 2010, 576,000 USD
The FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Égalité avec Seconde Morte Joaillerie Circa 2010 sold for 576,000 USD in June 2024. This platinum watch is set with baguette diamonds on the case and features a diamond-set dial, combining luxury with technical sophistication. The mechanical cal. 1403 movement includes a Remontoir d’Égalité system, ensuring consistent power regulation, alongside the iconic tourbillon and a dead-seconds complication.
With a 40mm diameter, the case is in very good condition with some light signs of wear, including surface scratches on the back of the lugs, while the diamonds are intact. The dial remains in excellent condition. The watch is accompanied by its original F.P. Journe presentation box, outer packaging, undated certificate, book, booklet, polishing cloth, hang tag, and wooden loupe. This example, number 015-TJ, is an exceptional addition to any collection, reflecting both artistry and precision.
FP Journe Pink Gold Tourbillon Souverain Circa 2003, 3,600,000 HKD
This FP Journe Pink Gold Tourbillon Souverain Circa 2003 sold for 3,600,000 HKD in October 2024. First introduced in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain redefined horology as the first wristwatch to incorporate a constant-force remontoire. This innovative mechanism regulated the uneven power from the mainspring, ensuring consistent energy flow to the tourbillon. F.P. Journe's design exemplifies a masterful balance between honoring horological tradition and pushing the boundaries of technical achievement.
Crafted during a transitional period for the brand, this watch represents a fascinating chapter in F.P. Journe’s history. While early models featured brass movements due to resource constraints, later examples, like this one, utilized pink gold—a signature material that became a hallmark of the brand. Collectors prize the rarity of the original brass movement models, as only around 2,000 were produced. This particular watch, part of the 4th series of the first generation, features distinguishing details such as a flat remontoire cock and smaller screws. Preserved in exceptional condition and accompanied by its original box and certificate, it is a testament to F.P. Journe’s commitment to artistry and innovation.
FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Égalité Circa 2003, 3,302,000 HKD
This FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Égalité Circa 2003 sold for 3,302,000 HKD in April 2024. Introduced in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain revolutionized watchmaking as the first wristwatch to feature a constant-force remontoire, ensuring consistent energy delivery to the tourbillon. This innovation, combined with Journe’s homage to horological tradition, solidified his reputation as a pioneer in independent watchmaking. Produced exclusively from 1999 to 2003, the D'Égalité model marks a key era in F.P. Journe’s history, preceding the later Avec Seconde Morte iterations with deadbeat seconds.
This example, from the fourth and final series of the D'Égalité model, is identifiable by its smaller dial screws and bold case-back engravings. With an estimated production of just 240 to 410 pieces, this rare watch is highly prized among collectors, particularly for its early rhodium-plated brass movement, now celebrated for its historical significance. Preserved in exceptional condition, it embodies the artistry and innovation that define F.P. Journe’s enduring legacy.
FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain Ruthenium Circa 2001, 2,880,000 HKD
This FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain Ruthenium Circa 2001 sold for 2,880,000 HKD in October 2024. Drawing inspiration from 18th and 19th-century marine chronometers and pocket watches, François-Paul Journe masterfully blended traditional elements with modern mechanics in the Tourbillon Souverain. Central to its innovation is the “remontoir d’égalité,” a mechanism designed to deliver unparalleled precision and consistency to the manual-winding movement. Adorned with Journe’s iconic “Invenit et Fecit” motto, the dial features a striking combination of a charcoal-grey finish, an open-heart movement display, and white off-center hour and minute dials complemented by a power reserve indicator.
This watch is part of the exclusive Ruthenium Collection, limited to 99 pieces per model and produced between 2001 and 2004. The collection, which marked the end of the brass movement era, introduced ruthenium-coated gold dials and platinum cases, paired with an increased case size of 40mm. These distinctive features, combined with the rarity of ruthenium finishes, have made these timepieces particularly sought after by collectors. Originating from a prestigious British family instrumental in championing Journe’s work during his early career, this example not only represents technical mastery but also holds a deep connection to the watchmaker’s ascent in the world of haute horology.
FP Journe Platinum Tourbillon Souverain Circa 2003, 330,200 CHF
This FP Journe Platinum Tourbillon Souverain Circa 2003 sold for 330,200 CHF in May 2024. Introduced in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain d'Egalité was a groundbreaking model, combining a constant force remontoire mechanism with a tourbillon, showcasing François-Paul Journe’s mastery of traditional and modern horology. Produced between 1999 and 2003, this inaugural model was limited to approximately 300 pieces, with this example representing the fourth and final generation, identified by smaller dial screws, a flat remontoire cock, and deeper caseback engravings.
Encased in platinum and powered by the rhodium-plated brass caliber 1498, the watch features the iconic remontoire d’égalité for enhanced precision. Collectors particularly value these early brass movements, created before the transition to pink gold calibers. Inscribed with "Invenit et Fecit" below the tourbillon, this rare and meticulously crafted timepiece embodies Journe’s pioneering spirit and remains a coveted addition to any distinguished collection.
Buy or Sell Your Next FP Journe Watch with Sotheby's
Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest luxury watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Sotheby’s is proud to feature a diverse selection of FP Journe watches exclusively through its auctions. These sales showcase a wide range of FP Journe timepieces, from the innovative Chronomètre à Résonance to the intricate Tourbillon Souverain. Collectors have the opportunity to acquire rare and limited-edition pieces that showcase F.P. Journe's unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
Prices for F.P. Journe watches at Sotheby’s auctions vary based on model, rarity, and condition. Entry-level models typically start around $60,000, while highly sought-after pieces like a limited edition stainless steel Tourbillon Souverain can command prices exceeding $500,000.
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