F.P. Journe Souverain

Souverain is part of the name of several models from F.P. Journe, the independent manufacture of François-Paul Journe. This page brings together the Chronomètre Souverain, Tourbillon Souverain and Centigraphe Souverain. All are hand-wound, with a transparent caseback and an 18-carat rose gold calibre: the movement's mainplate and bridges are gold, which is immediately visible through the caseback. The brand has made its movements in rose gold since 2004.

The Chronomètre Souverain is a chronometer in a 40 mm case with calibre 1304. Its two barrels work in parallel and keep the torque stable throughout the running time. The dial follows the brand's signature asymmetry: small seconds offset between 7 and 8 o'clock, a power-reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, and Clous de Paris guilloché in the centre. The model appeared in 2005, and its 20th anniversary was marked by the Chronomètre Souverain 20th Anniversary. Versions include rose gold with a silvered dial and platinum with a Havana brown dial.

The Tourbillon Souverain adds a Remontoir d'Égalité constant-force device and a Seconde Morte dead-beat seconds to the tourbillon: the seconds hand moves in steps, exactly once per second. Versions include calibre 1403 in rose gold and platinum, and the Ruthenium Tourbillon Souverain with calibre 1498. The model is described in detail on the separate Tourbillon Souverain page.

The Centigraphe Souverain is a chronograph measuring to 1/100th of a second, with calibre 1506. The chronograph system is isolated from the main gear train, so the complication does not affect the balance amplitude. Start, stop and reset are controlled by a single rocker at 2 o'clock. It comes in a 40 mm platinum case.

It is easiest to choose by complication first: chronometer with power-reserve indicator, tourbillon or chronograph. Then the case metal: rose gold or platinum. All models are men's watches in 40 mm cases. Finally, condition. The similarly named Souveraine collection is separate and is not shown on this page.