F.P. Journe Chronometre Optimum

F.P. Journe Chronometre Optimum in Platinum 40mm

Collection: C : lassique Collection Model reference : Chronometre Optimum Case/Size : Platinum, 40mm Dial : White Gold & Silver Movement : Manual-winding Functions : 1 second remontoire at 11h Specificity : Large dead beat second on the back Accessories : Accompanied by a leather card holder with "FP Journe" international warranty card, product literature and a wooden presentation box Optimal precision : The Chronomètre Optimum Originally designed in 2001, this time-only watch was finally released in 2012. To achieve the goal of providing the best chronometry, F.-P. Journe combined the use of several innovative mechanisms. First, the use of a parallel dual-barrel system allows a smoother and more stable force delivery. Then, the constant-force remontoire made in titanium helps to balance the driving force being pushed by the barrels, a mechanism that was also implemented in the Tourbillon Souverain. Finally, a patented dual-wheel escapement named EBHP (for “high-performance bi-axial escapement”), a direct-impulse escapement without lubrication to ensure stability. Thus, the watch is able to achieve constant amplitude for the first 45 hrs of power reserve. Besides the technical aspect, the in-house Calibre 1510 is finished to the highest standards : Geneva stripes, polished heads with chamfered slots, circular graining on the baseplate, and bevelled bridges. The plate and bridges are made of 18k gold. Even though it can go up to 70 hours, the ideal range of operation for the power reserve lies during the first 45 hours, which explains why the indicator on the dial stops just above 40. On top of the beautiful manually-wound movement, the sapphire crystal caseback allows the user to admire the natural dead-beat seconds counter. In typical FPJ fashion, the main sub-dial on the right features a silver guilloché dial with a Clous de Paris pattern. The small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock features snailing. The power reserve indicator at 7 o’clock is diametrically opposed by an aperture showcasing the constant-force remontoire at work. As in many other FPJ watches, the hands are in blue steel while the numerals and markings are hand-applied in ivory. Also available in 18k red gold with a gold dial, the current watch is the 950 platinum case version with a silver dial. It is available in both 40 and 42mm. It comes equipped with an alligator strap complete with a pin buckle matching the case. F.P. Journe