Sotheby's Watches Weekly | F.P Journe, Piaget & The Atmos Clock, April 22-29, 2020

Watches Weekly | F.P Journe, Piaget & The Atmos Clock. 22 - 29 April, 2020

SALE NUMBER HK0999  VIEW ENTIRE CATALOGUE

This week's auction includes a superb collection of watches from F.P. Journe, led by an early Résonance with brass movement and a Tourbillon Souverain, two of the watchmaker's most desired and collectible pieces. Also on offer is a fantastic assortment of Piaget watches, from a time only pocket watch through to contemporary models set with lapis lazuli, malachite, tiger’s eye and diamonds, each illustrating the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship in horology and gem-setting. Five rare Atmos clocks by Jaeger-LeCoultre and LeCoultre conclude this unique auction.

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact:

enquiries@sothebys.com

+852 2524 8121

For sale enquiries please contact:

Joey Luk

Deputy Director

Head of Sale

Specialist

Watches

+852 2822 9038

JOEY.LUK@SOTHEBYS.COM

LOT 83. F.P. JOURNE | CHRONOMETRE A RESONANCE, AN EARLY PLATINUM DUAL TIME ZONE WRISTWATCH WITH POWER RESERVE INDICATION AND BRASS MOVEMENT, CIRCA 2002 Estimate: 1,200,000 - 2,200,000 HKD

Like all early versions of F.P. Journe’s wristwatches, the present example features a clean brass movement with the case back engraved 291-02R, which indicates that this watch was made in the year 2002. Available in an exemplary condition, with an extraordinary dial with wonderful patina and all accessories provided, this Resonance is no doubt a very important example of its model.

LOT 84. F.P. JOURNE | TOURBILLON SOUVERAIN D'EGALIT, AN EARLY PLATINUM TOURBILLON WRISTWATCH WITH CONSTANT FORCE REMONTOIRE, POWER RESERVE INDICATION AND BRASS MOVEMENT, CIRCA 2001 Estimate: 900,000 - 1,200,000 HKD

Launched in 1999, the Tourbillon Souverain d'Egalité marked the first usage of a constant force remontoire in a wristwatch, a timekeeping mechanism that would regulate the uneven force delivered by the mainspring. However, it is by combining the remontoire with the tourbillon that acts as a successful tribute to F. P. Journe's technical genius in the creation of complicated modern wristwatches firmly rooted in horological tradition. Although the Tourbillon Souverain has been in F.P. Journe’s production for 21 years, only the ones that were produced from 1999 to 2003 were classified as the D’Egalit model. While the ones afterward would be classified as the Avec Seconde Morte as they would further include a fascinating deadbeat seconds function as well. For the D’Egalit model such as the present watch, collectors were able to identify four significant series of the model produced. The present model which would be considered the fourth generation of the D’Egalit model can be identified with its smaller dial screws and pronounced case back engravings. In recent years the market has shown a great appreciation for all of F.P. Journe’s earlier rhodium-plated brass movements. However, among all, it would undoubtedly be the earlier Tourbillon Sourverain that captures the heart of all collectors. With approximately 240 to 410 pieces of the D’Egalit made, the current watch offered is in very good overall condition and also accompanied by the original certificate and presentation box that is surely a great piece of F.P. Journe’s heritage.

LOT 85. F.P. JOURNE | CHRONOMETRE OPTIMUM, A BOUTIQUE EDITION PINK GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH POWER RESERVE INDICATION, CIRCA 2015 Estimate: 550,000 - 650,000 HKD

Striving for precision and reaching for perfection, the Chronometre Optimum is a true testimony of F.P. Journe's incontestable watchmaking skills. Initially designed in 2001, the present watch was F.P. Journe's first attempt to incorporate dead-beat seconds to a constant-force remontoire. The twin barrel design provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve, when the watch is wound up to an adequate threshold, the remontoire at 11 o'clock will tick in one second bursts, synchronizing with the dead-beat seconds displayed on the case back. The dial could only be described as an achievement of asymmetrical perfection, with the remontoire showcasing technological prowess, off-centre hours and minutes displaying accuracy and the power reserve indication tracing energy. Encased in pink gold and featuring the same material for its delicate movements, F.P. Journe designed this watch with superior durability in mind, aiming for it to work in 200 years given the proper maintenance and care.

LOT 86. F.P. JOURNE | CHRONOMETRE BLEU, A TANTALUM WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 2011. Estimate: 240,000 - 400,000 HKD

F.P. Journe's Chronometre Bleu is the definition of contemporary elegance. Immediately grasping one's attention is its spectacular blue dial, fitted with ivory-coloured steel hands and white Arabic numerals, presenting itself in an enigmatic contrast that proves timeless for many years to come. The present watch is cased in tantalum, a blue-grey metal rarely used in watchmaking for its difficulty to be fashioned, however deems superior resistance to corrosion and wear once the watchmaker overcomes the challenges in mastering the use of this material. An honest display of F.P. Journe's constant pursuit for excellence, the Chronometre Bleu is a special timepiece that truly speaks for itself.

LOT 87. F.P. JOURNE | OCTA CALENDRIER, A PLATINUM ANNUAL CALENDER WRISTWATCH WITH RETROGRADE DATE, CIRCA 2008
Estimate: 160,000 - 250,000 HKD

Discontinued from F.P. Journe’s collection in 2014, the Octa Calendrier is a highly noteworthy model as it not only features an important automatic caliber that provides an exceptional 5-day power reserve, it is also F.P. Journe’s first model to showcase the annual calendar function.

While it may not be noticeable, F.P. Journe had also carefully considered all aspects of the watch including its legibility. The contemporary asymmetrical dial ensures that all calendar functions of the watch are placed toward the left whilst the time stays on the right side of the dial. Encased in platinum, the present watch has been kept in very good overall condition throughout it’s years.

LOT 88. F.P. JOURNE | CENTIGRAPHE SOUVERAIN, AN ALUMINIUM CHRONOGRAPH BRACELET WATCH, CIRCA 2011
Estimate: 280,000 - 350,000 HKD

Originally launched in 2011, the LineSport is a collection of wristwatches that portray how François-Paul Journe envisioned technical sports timepieces. With a combination of sport and innovation, these models are available in a variety of extremely lightweight and durable materials such as titanium and aluminium. The present example is a renown Centigraphe encased in aluminium, with a very complicated ergonomic chronograph movement which depicts the elapsed time from a 100th of a second to 10 minutes on the three subsidiary dials, the present watch is specifically designed for motor sport races.

With distinctive rubber accents on the bracelet, case, and even pushers, the present watch provides a sporty look that is fitted for all weekend activities. Available in brand new condition and provided with all accessories, the present watch is one that many watch enthusiasts would dream to have.

SALE NUMBER HK0999 VIEW ENTIRE CATALOGUE

April 22-29 2020 04:40 AM CEST