Top Lots: 5 Classic, Eclectic, & Beautiful Lots from Christie’s “The Art of F.P.Journe” Auction

In the past several years, auctions have propelled F.P.Journe to the near top of the watch world, and with Christie’s “The Art of F.P.Journe” auction slated to begin on Friday, May 12th at 14:00 CEST in Geneva, there are no signs the brand’s auction success is slowing down. Moreover, with a total of 39 lots up for grabs, Christie’s upcoming auction is chock full of some the rarest and most celebrated pieces from the Journe catalog of the past twenty years.

Although it may sound a bit hyperbolic, I think it’s fair to say that to most collectors and industry professionals François-Paul Journe is our generation’s Abraham-Louis Breguet, i.e., a genius watchmaker with an unparalleled eye for design. Like Breguet in his time, Journe has created some of the most revolutionary horological advancements of our era while keeping his creations modern and aesthetically pleasing. For an example, look no further than the Chronomètre à Résonance from 2000; it was the first-ever wristwatch featuring acoustic resonance.
 

As a result, the proverbial cat is out of the bag, and his watches have commanded some jaw-dropping prices at auction in the past several years.

So, since Christie’s upcoming “The Art of F.P.Journe” auction will be one of the first times a collection of Journe’s watches of this rarity and importance have come to market at the same time and place, we have selected our top five lots of the auction, in no specific order.

Made in a limited edition of 38 pieces in 2018, the Chronometre Holland & Holland stainless steel wristwatch that comprises Lot No. 2013 is among the most beautiful time-only watches of the past decade.
 

Most notably, this lot’s dial is a rare Damascus steel taken from an antique Holland & Holland shotgun barrel dating back to 1868. Moreover, its 39mm case is stainless steel, an extremely unusual metal for an F.P.Journe timepiece. Indeed, scholarship tells us that most of the brand’s “white metal” cases are platinum and white gold, with a few titanium cases thrown in for good measure; however, steel is a rarity for the manufacture.

Another notable feature is that the watch is time-only, without even a small seconds or power reserve indicator to zhuzh-up its horology street cred. However, as a result, the cleanliness of the dial is unique for a Journe and allows us to admire the beauty of the Damascus steel wholly.
 

With a pre-auction estimate ranging from CHF 60,000 to CHF 120,000, this lot could very well be the sleeper hit of the whole auction as the heavy hitters and sport models take center stage.

Crafted in grade 5 titanium and 18K pink gold, this Centigraphe Souverain made for the 10th anniversary of the brand’s boutique in Tokyo is among the rarest of its kind as it is a limited edition of 10 pieces made only for the Tokyo boutique in 2018.
 

It is no secret that titanium, generally speaking, is one of our favorite metals. But the fact that the 40mm case is also highly polished instead of having the usual matte finish makes Lot 2031 a real feast for the eyes. Moreover, sapphire sub-dials make for partially skeletonized chronograph counters, which meshes well with its red hands and ruthenium and white gold dial, while the pink gold accents bring just the right amount of flare.
 

Finally, the effortless way this piece wears due to the lightness of the case makes a compelling case for this watch being the most suitable for daily wear in the entire auction, aside from the brand’s sports models. Although, its pre-auction estimate of CHF 150,000 to CHF 250,000 may beg to differ.

Christie’s “The Art of F.P.Journe” live auction will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva on Friday, May 12th, beginning at 14:00 CEST. The lots are currently being exhibited at the Four Seasons and thus available for preview every day prior to the auction from 10:00 to 18:00 CEST.

(Images © Christie's)