F.P.Journe Souveraine Chronometre Bleu Souveraine Tantalum Full Set Like NEW
Since his debut in 1999, F.P. Journe has never failed to impress collectors, and he is the only manufacturer of fine wristwatches to have won three Aiguille d’Or awards at the GPHG. In 2009, F.P. Journe decided to create an “entry level” chronometer timepiece for the brands’ admirers, giving them the opportunity to own an F.P. Journe timepiece. However, he didn’t want his “entry level” watch to be in stainless steel similar to other manufacturers, and thinking outside the box, instead opted to use the unusual material, tantalum, a lustrous highly corrosion-resistant metal. His new model would be based on his earlier Chronomètre Souverain model.
When the Chronomètre Souverain collection was introduced in 2005, it was Journe’s first wristwatch with a central time display. The parallel twin barrel movement was an ingenious means to split the pressure on the main gear providing for a more stable source of energy adding to the chronometric precision of the wristwatch. Even though the design was a tribute to traditional chronometers, the 2005 model had a subtly contemporary feel with large hour and minute hands, power reserve sector and seconds indications placed on the dial off center at the 7 and 8 o’clock.
F. P. Journe’s Chronomètre Bleu is a stunning result. Encased in a beautiful and refined 39mm tantalum case, the dial is a highly reflective chrome blue with white texts. With a mesmerizing blue sheen of the dial showing countless shades of blue under various lighting, the tantalum case has a greyish-blue hue with a robust, highly scratch resistant surface. Innovative and cutting edge, the model was very well-received and soon became one of the hottest F.P. Journe timepieces on the market.
Specification:
Case: Polished tantalum case with a sapphire caseback
Strap: Dark blue Alligator strap, with original tantalum pin buckle
Dial: Blue dial with Arabic numerals, small seconds at 7 o’clock
Movement: Hand-wound movement with 2 main spring barrels, horizontal Geneva stripes, movement made out of 750/1000 rose gold
Cal. 1304
Diameter: 39.5mm
Condition report:
Case: Mint condition
Strap: Mint condition
Dial: Mint condition
Movement: Mint condition, functions working properly
Box: Yes, perfect condition like from F.P. Journe Boutique
Papers: Yes, full set like from F.P. Journe Boutique (European distribution)
Details:
An elegant, charismatic and rare numbered-edition tantalum wristwatch of the Swiss watch brand F. P. Journe Invenit et Fecit, founded in 1999 by the French watchmaker François-Paul Journe. Reference launched in 2009, estimated production year: circa 2013. Case made of tantalum, diameter 39.5mm, thickness 8.6mm, sapphire caseback. Deep-blue dial with Arabic numerals and small seconds sub-dial recessed and decorated with fine circular grooves. Caliber 1304, hand-wound, thin, in solid 18k gold, double barrel, power reserve of up to 56 hours. Functions – hours, minutes, small seconds hand at 7 o’clock. F. P. Journe dark blue leather strap, F. P. Journe tantalum pin buckle.
Chronomètre Bleu was reportedly developed by F.P. Journe as an entry-level timepiece (in terms of F.P. Journe collection) after the 2008 financial crisis. Instead of standard precious metal, the case was made of tantalum and the movement was slightly less complicated than the original 1304 caliber of Chronomètre Souverain, without the power reserve indicator.
The F. P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu is equipped with a hand-wound 1304 caliber. The movement is finished to a high standard with manual decoration of all parts, including chamfering and polishing. The mainplate is decorated with a barleycorn guilloché pattern and Perlage, while the bridges feature Côtes de Genève decoration. The peculiarity of the F. P. Journe movements is that since 2004 they have been produced from solid 18k pink gold, so that no protective coatings are required to create a flawless and non-patinated finish of the parts.
The Chronomètre Bleu, characterised by its rare execution, and distinctive design and appearance is considered to be one of the most sought-after F.P. Journe watches.
Caliber 1304 was designed by François-Paul Journe as a reminder of the precision movements of 19th century pocket chronometers, and with the purpose of guaranteeing accurate timekeeping. Initially, Caliber 1304 was used exclusively in the Chronomètre Souverain, which since 2005 has been introduced in a variety of designs. Later, in 2008, F. P. Journe developed for Chronomètre Bleu a simplified version of the caliber, without power-reserve indication. The newer caliber retained the same designation, 1304, along with the double-barrel system, substantial 56-hour power reserve, and a notable design characterised by separated barrels and escapement areas. A hidden gear train that is between the mainplate and the dial gives to the caliber a charming mysterious illusion that the free-sprung balance is sitting all on its own.
The watch features a dial of a deep blue colour, with the tantalum case adding the light blue-grey hue that distances the tantalum from more common precious and ‘technical’ metals. The case’s blueish sheen in addition to the rich blue dial easily gives away how the watch was named.
The Chronomètre Bleu, characterised by its rare execution, and distinctive design and appearance is considered to be one of the most sought-after F.P. Journe watches. According to thejourneguy.com, annual production of the Chronomètre Bleu remained around 190 watches until 2019, when it dropped to approximately 100 examples. The waiting list to purchase a new watch is reportedly an incredible 10-15 years, which makes us proud to offer the present this piece as an absolutely rare chance to acquire this sought-after timepiece of a world-famous brand.
