F.P.Journe Tourbillon Souverain Vertical Ref. TV Platinum Salmon Dial

Description

Introduced in 2019 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of François-Paul Journe’s first Tourbillon Souverain, the Vertical represents fundamental reimagining of the brand’s signature complication. Where traditional tourbillons rotate horizontally—optimal for pocket watches positioned vertically—the Vertical’s perpendicular orientation addresses wristwatch reality. Journe recognized wristwatches spend most time horizontal whether worn, resting on tables, or stored in boxes, rendering conventional tourbillons less effective against gravity. By positioning the tourbillon cage perpendicular to the movement at 90-degree angle to dial plane, amplitude remains constant whether watch lies flat or on its side. The Tourbillon Souverain’s remontoir d’égalité made history in 1999 as first wristwatch incorporating constant-force device—mechanism delivering consistent power to escapement throughout power reserve. This combination earned the original Tourbillon Souverain the prestigious Aiguille d’Or prize at 2004 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The salmon dial variant represents boutique-exclusive colorway rarely seen across F.P.Journe’s typically conservative palette.

42mm platinum case measures 13.6mm thick with polished surfaces and signature F.P.Journe stepped lugs. No traditional dial—instead, exposed 18k 4N rose gold movement bridges decorated with hand-engraved Clous de Paris guilloché pattern create visual backdrop. Hand-painted black inscriptions reading “F.P.Journe,” “Invenit et Fecit,” “Tourbillon Remontoir d’Égalité Seconde Morte” arc along dial periphery. Grand Feu white enamel subdial at 3 o’clock displays hours and minutes on single 18k white gold plate with applied Arabic numerals and blued steel hands—first time Journe utilized enamel dial, enabled by Vertical’s increased case thickness. Small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Power reserve sector at 12 o’clock indicates 80-hour capacity. Vertical tourbillon aperture at 7 o’clock features mirror-polished cone-shaped ring concentrating light around cage. Manual-wind Caliber 1519 constructed entirely in 18k rose gold features vertical tourbillon completing revolution every 30 seconds—twice speed of traditional one-minute tourbillons for enhanced visual drama. Remontoir d’égalité (constant-force mechanism) delivers consistent torque to escapement. Free-sprung balance with four adjustable inertia weights, flat Anachron hairspring with Phillips overcoil operating at 21,600 vph. Sapphire crystal caseback reveals circular Geneva waves on baseplate, polished beveled screw heads. Light brown calfskin leather strap with platinum pin buckle.