Year: 2017
Case No: 7183-05/28
Model Name: Chronomètre Souverain “Holland & Holland”
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Manual, cal. 1304, 22 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel F.P. Journe deployant clasp
Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe certificate and warranty dated December 23rd 2017, original purchase invoice, Holland & Holland x F.P. Journe information booklet, and co-signed fitted presentation box.
As much as F.P. Journe timepieces are known for pushing the technical boundaries of haute horlogerie, some of his most coveted timepieces possess simpler movements paired with audacious design elements. An example of this audacity is the Chronomètre Souverain “Holland & Holland”, a limited series of 66 watches first released in 2017.
Two historical gun barrels made of Damascus steel sourced from renowned gunsmith Holland & Holland’s own museum were made available as the focal point of an exquisite series of timepieces. Barrel number 7183 dating to 1882, the source of the present watch’s dial, produced 28 dials and is reflected in the reference number of the watch. The other barrel, number 1382, relinquished 38 dials and dates to 1868. Each barrel was cut, rolled flat and cut again to create the requisite thickness for a dial at Holland & Holland’s factory. Then, the artisans at F.P. Journe’s own dial maker, Les Cadraniers de Genève, cut the shape of the dial out of those pieces. These dials were then returned to Holland & Holland where they underwent a “browning” process similar to “blueing” of steel in watchmaking which emphasizes the unique curves and patterns in the steel.
Rarely ever are F.P. Journe timepieces cased in steel, but this was the only fitting material to encircle such a dial. Only existing Journe and Holland & Holland clients were invited to apply to receive one of these rare timepieces. From the original owner, and complete with all of its original accessories, all proceeds from the hammer price result will be donated by the consignor to UNICEF.
PROPERTY FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER