Tourbillon Souverain | Regency dial | Rose Gold

This F. P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Régence Circulaire* is part of the second series of Tourbillon watches produced by F.P. Journe, and one of only 20 limited edition pieces. A redesign of the original Tourbillon Souverain, this example adds a deadbeat seconds complication. The watch bears a striking dial, decorated with the 'Regence Circulaire' motif, an intricately crafted design paying tribute to the Regency Era.

This Tourbillon Souverain is part of the Tourbillon Nouveau (TN) series, launched by F.P. Journe in 2004. A complete redesign of the original Tourbillon Souverain, only the placement and design of the tourbillon cage was retained, while Journe removed the remontoire from view and added a deadbeat seconds complication in its place at 6 o'clock.

The dial is undoubtedly the highlight of this watch, as it is decorated with a beautifully engraved surface, called the 'Regence Circulaire' motif, which derives its name from the British 'Regency' Era (roughly spanning 1795 - 1837). Journe's inspiration behind the dial came from his admiration of this period, when watchmaking flourished and new breakthroughs were made. The geometrical designs on the dial are inspired by the patterns popular during this historical period, and require a significant amount of work to create. Multiple artisans are needed to create the dial, from drawing the pattern to engraving them, honing the layered textures, and polishing the dial so that it achieves a beautiful shimmer.

Turning our eye to the rest of the dial, we see that the Tourbillon Souverain TN is quintessentially Journe, both in its design language and movement. The textured dial is a silvery-grey, with a separate silvered guilloche dial that is used for the hours and minutes. The words ‘Invenit et Fecit’ are inscribed below the tourbillon (Latin for ‘Invented and Made’ or more literally 'Designed and built by F.P. Journe') in classic F.P. Journe style - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. Also inscribed are the words 'avec Seconde Morte', denoting the added deadbeat seconds complication. At 12 o’clock, a power reserve indicator of 42 hours is displayed.

The natural deadbeat seconds is displayed at 6 o’clock, concealing the remontoire, which featured more prominently on first Tourbillon Souverain. The term ‘Seconde Morte' or ‘deadbeat seconds’, is derived from the way in which the hand remains motionless, until the second has passed.

The Tourbillon Souverain TN is powered by the FPJ calibre 1403, which is an 18k rose gold movement with Remontoir d'egalité, constructed with 25 jewels and a shock-absorber mechanism. It further features a straight-line lever escapement, and monometallic 4-arm balance with 4 timing weights, adjusted to 5 positions. It includes a self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring. The movement is engraved 'Chronometre A Tourbillon', decorated with Côtes de Genève.

Closer look

Condition

This F. P. Journe Tourbillon Régence is in very good condition throughout. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, likely worn on only a handful of occasions. The white gold hand engraved dial and exposed rose gold base plate are free from imperfections. The hallmarks and engravings on the case back are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.