F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain - Platinum - From 2022

The Watch

Certain watchmakers are widely regarded as the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking. It's been known for a select three to hold the titles of 'The Holy Trinity', but if one were to consider a new list today that includes independents, F.P. Journe just might sit at the top of the tree. 

There's nothing regular about an F.P. Journe, even with their most conventional and classic model like this Chronomètre Souverain. Rendered in platinum, the case carries a domed bezel with a symmetrical caseback and bezel flange that defines the mid-case profile of this elegant piece. The lugs blend flawlessly with that mid-case and downturn perfectly for wearability. The entire exterior of the watch is entirely polished, with only the double-dimpled knurled crown breaking up the smooth visuals. Its significant weight comes not only from its use of platinum but also because of its 40mm width, a size balanced by a thickness of just 8mm. 

The dial of this Chronomètre Souverain is beautifully restrained while bearing hallmarks of Journe's identity. The Arabic numerals are realised in black printing and sit just inside a minimal railroad track around the dial perimeter. Complete in a classic whitened tone with an elegant basketweave central guilloché finish and asymmetrical layout, it's an instantly recognisable piece of design. The sunken power reserve indicator sits at three, which reads not how many hours of power remain but how many have elapsed since its last wind. Off centre at 7:30, the subsidiary seconds register is complete with a pomme counterbalance hand and a second railroad track. Sitting below the bold 'F.P. Journe—Invenit et Fecit' signature are the hour and minute hands in their classic Journe teardrop style form and are blued steel.

The Movement

The calibre 1304 powers this Chronomètre Souverain and demonstrates F.P. Journe's prestige. The movement is part of the manual-winding Souverain collection and is rendered in 18k rose gold, boasting 56 hours of autonomy from its dual mainspring barrels, which sit parallel. Completely finished by hand, the movement combines circular graining with sunburst and wave patterns. All internal edges are smoothly chamfered with a Côte de Genève decoration on the bridges and black polishing for the screw heads.

How It Wears

Sometimes, it's the simplest watches that shout the loudest, and in the case of this Chronomètre Souverain, it does its talking in a sophisticated, hushed tone. Paired with a remarkable level of svelteness, this piece is a beautiful modern example of independent watchmaking that's incredibly special on the wrist. 

Condition

Dating from 2022, this F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain in Platinum is presented as a full set and is complete with its outer box, inner box, original sales invoice, warranty card, original F.P. Journe strap, a grained taupe custom strap, platinum pin buckle, and cloth. The piece is in great condition, with some hairline picked up from wear.

Origin

Excelling in reputation and watchmaking merits alike, François-Paul Journe's eponymous brand is simply one of the leading influential watchmakers in the independent world, and his road to success is just as fascinating as his watches. Having left school at 14, François-Paul spent a summer with his uncle, a clock restorer. After undertaking formal horological study – to which he was expelled – he united with his uncle once more at his new workshop in Paris, where an understanding and appreciation for traditional 18th-century watchmaking lore was nurtured. He also began taking commissions from clients and was eventually mentored by George Daniels. Around this time, he built his own tourbillon chronometer and a pocket watch in his free time. Other early creations from François-Paul include a planetarium mechanism for Asprey, a pocket watch with a fusée chain, a five-second remontoire, a retrograde perpetual calendar and an equation of time, as well as an early failed attempt at a resonance, something François-Paul would later master. 

In 1985, Journe started a workshop to build watches for collectors. In 1989, he opened a movement manufacturer, and in 1996, he formed TIM SA, which was dedicated to exclusive calibres for brands. He then launched 'F.P. Journe—Invenit et Fecit' in 1999 with the Tourbillon Souverain. While the F.P. Journe brand's savoir-faire and ability to translate tradition into contemporary have cemented itself as a leader of independent watchmaking, its most straightforward watch remains an incredibly in-demand piece.

While F.P. Journe's technical savoir-faire and ability to translate tradition into contemporary have cemented itself as a leader of independent watchmaking, its most straightforward watch remains an incredibly in-demand piece. Known as the Chronomètre Souverain, it's believed François-Paul wanted to debut his brand in '99 with this model but was astute enough to realise he needed to prove himself first with something more complicated. Released in 2005, the Chronomètre Souverain is a time-only watch with a power reserve indicator, and it stands as the epitome of its brand vocabulary, carrying historical elements that are visually influenced by marine chronometers. 

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium. 

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