In 1999, collectors scrambled to acquire, by subscription, one of the 20 examples of the first Tourbillon Souverain with remontoir d'égalité in wristwatch form. François-Paul Journe now celebrates the anniversary of this exceptional timepiece with a tourbillon whose traditionally horizontal carriage is instead vertically positioned. The advantage being that the tourbillon's function remains constant, regardless of whether the watch is laid flat or set on its side. The tourbillon makes one rotation every 30 seconds, and combines here with a remontoir d'égalité constant-force device and deadbeat seconds. The spectacular sight of the rotating tourbillon is captured by a conical rim whose mirror polish reflects its every movement. On the front side, the pink gold bridges are finished with hobnail guillochage and surmounted by an enamel hours and minutes dial. Turning the watch over to the movement side, the rotating of the vertical tourbillon is again shown off by the mirror polishing around its carriage, and by the circular Côtes de Genève on the plate.

Astronomic Souveraine
2020