The F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain, from 1999, is the first watch of François-Paul Journe’s own brand. It has a tourbillon with a constant-force remontoir d’égalité, a dead-beat seconds hand that jumps once a second, and a power-reserve indicator. The case is about 38 mm in platinum, and the hand-wound calibre 1403 is built in 18 kt rose gold. I could not confirm every first-edition detail from an official source, so only these main points are given.

Journe made the first examples himself, drawing on his earlier work as an independent watchmaker, and the watch showed that a new brand could launch with a technically ambitious piece. The remontoir smooths the power to the tourbillon and makes the seconds beat clear.

It is regarded as a landmark of modern independent watchmaking and a defining F.P. Journe watch. The Tourbillon Souverain remains in the brand’s catalogue, although it is produced in small numbers.