F.P. Journe’s timepiece for Only Watch 2019 was sold for CHF 1.8 million. Now we have the standard version of the same watch: Astronomic Souveraine.
F.P. Journe has become one of the most prominent watch brands in recent years. As an independent watchmaker, the brand started its commercial life with a small production number. In 2018, it attracted attention by selling its 20 percent share to Chanel. After the sale of the Monopusher Split Seconds Chronograph to CHF 1,150,000 in the Only Watch auction held in 2017, the brand set its mark for another legendary watch and sale. The Astronomic Souveraine model, which was prepared for 2019 Only Watch, was sold to 1.800.000 CHF and set a record in the history of the brand.
The Astronomic Souveraine model was powered by a special movement developed by Journe and was first fitted into the tantalum case Only Watch model. According to information from reliable sources, Journe’s estimated final price for this watch was over CHF 2 million. The hammer price was pretty close to this value, but I’m sure they will try to reach this figure by pushing the boundaries further at the next auction. Just a few days after the auction, Journe introduced the standard version of the same model: F.P. Journe Astronomic Souverain.
The origins of the Astronomic Souverain model date back to the astronomical pocket watch that Journe himself manufactured in 1987 for a collector. Equipped with complications such as Equation of Time, complete calendar and power reserve indicator, the pocket watch had functional dials on both the front and back. It is possible to see a similar movement in the Astronomic Souverain model.
Sapphire crystals are placed on the front and back of the watch, which has a 44mm x 13.8mm stainless steel case. Considering that the watch has a movement consisting of 758 pieces and featuring 18 complications, its dimensions make a little more sense. The dial layout design features day-night window at 12 o’clock, sunset at 1 o’clock, minutes in the center, hour and second time zone at 3 o’clock, moon phase at 5:30 o’clock, power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, small seconds at 7:30 o’clock, sidereal hours and minutes at 9 o’clock position and sunrise at 11 o’clock. The lever on the left side of the case activates the minute repeater function.
When we flip the watch, the rear side features Equation of Time and complete calendar functions as well as a 60-second Tourbillon. The movement offers a power reserve of 40 hours.
The list price of such an exclusive watch is also very exclusive; 889,000 CHF.
