Christie's Geneva The Art of F.P. Journe Live Auction, 12 May 2023

Geneva, 2 March 2023 – A unique moment in horology history, never has such an array of F.P. Journe timepieces been brought together in one auction to celebrate a single independent watchmaker. Amongst the emblematic references offered at The Art of F.P. Journe auction are a platinum Tourbillon Souverain with superb jade dial; a superb example of the ‘Pré-Souscription’ platinum Chronomètre à Résonance; the iconic Centigraphe Souverain with “Ferrari red dial”; a platinum Octa Calendrier with mother-of-pearl dial; a Chronomètre Souverain Dubai edition; as well as an ultra-light titanium Octa ‘LineSport’ with stunning deep blue dial. The Art of F.P. Journe Live auction, on 12 May, in Geneva, presents a unique opportunity to acquire a timepiece by one of the most important independent watchmakers of today. This collection will be on tour to selected international Christie’s locations before being exhibited at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva in the lead up to the auction.

Remi Guillemin, Head of Europe Watches

Remi Guillemin, Head of Europe Watches, shared: “We couldn’t be more excited and honored to present these forty F.P. Journe watches in a stand-alone thematic auction. The Art of F.P. Journe will be a historic sale, a must-attend event, and we look forward to bringing together collectors from around the globe to celebrate these iconic timepieces by a modern watchmaking genius.”

Highlights from the F.P. Journe ensemble

Platinum F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain. Circa 2018. (Est: CHF500,000-1,000,000). Image: Christie's

This platinum F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain with solid platinum bracelet, is a magnificent timepiece, elevated to the highest degree of rarity, due to its superb jade dial, of which only a few examples exist. Circa 2018. (Est: CHF500,000-1,000,000)

F.P. Journe ‘Pré-Souscription’ platinum Chronomètre à Résonance. Circa 2000. (Est: CHF500,000-1,000,000). Image: Christie's

When launching his brand, F.P. Journe introduced a ‘subscription’ model, with 20 of his closest friends and clients committing to purchase timepieces made under his name with the resulting Souscription Tourbillon numbered 1 to 20. Shortly after, the Chronomètre à Résonance was produced, and F.P. Journe reserved the initial 20 numbers for those clients who had previously subscribed, offering them the opportunity to acquire a Souscription Résonance with matching engraved numbers. The auction will offer an early example of the ‘Pré-Souscription’ platinum Chronomètre à Résonance. Circa 2000. (Est: CHF500,000-1,000,000)

F.P.Journe Centigraphe Souverain “Ferrari red dial” edition. Circa 2010. (Est: CHF400,000-600,000). Image: Christie's

Another quintessentially F.P. Journe example is this Centigraphe Souverain platinum ergonomic chronograph wristwatch with 100th of a second, 20th seconds, 10-minute registers, a red chrome dial and platinum bracelet. Only available upon special request, this “Ferrari red dial” edition of the Centigraphe Souverain unites the worlds of high horology and motor sports. Circa 2010. (Est: CHF400,000-600,000)

F.P.Journe Octa Calendrier Sincere Fine Watches Edition. Circa 2006. (Est: CHF150,000-250,000). Image: Christie's

This highly exclusive platinum Octa Calendrier is one of only 15 pieces made for the prestigious Singaporean retailer ‘Sincere Fine Watches’ with a black mother of pearl dial. Rarely available at auction, the offering of this piece provides collectors with the rare opportunity to obtain an example of this automatic annual calendar. Circa 2006. (Est: CHF150,000-250,000)

F.P.Journe Chronomètre Souverain Dubai Edition. Circa 2021. (Est: CHF60,000-120,000). Image: Christie's

Signed F.P. Journe, this exclusive and distinctive platinum limited edition wristwatch with green dial is one of only 99 examples of the Chronomètre Souverain produced in 2020 to celebrate the opening of F.P. Journe’s first Dubai boutique (on October 30th , 2019). Circa 2021. (Est: CHF60,000-120,000)

F.P.Journe Octa ‘LineSport’. Circa 2019. (Est: CHF60,000-120,000). Image: Christie's

Possibly one of the rarest and most attractive versions of F.P. Journe’s ultra-light titanium Octa ‘LineSport’ automatic wristwatches, this blue dial model was made in a highly exclusive and very limited edition of only 8 pieces. To our knowledge, this is the first blue dial Octa LineSport to come to international auction to date.

A portion of the sale result of this watch will be donated to “Only Watch”, benefitting the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies, for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy . Circa 2019. (Est: CHF60,000-120,000)

For more information, please visit christies.com

Christie's Geneva The Art of F.P. Journe Live Auction, 12 May 2023

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