This is an early example of the F. P. Journe Chronomtre Blue*, first retailed in 2013. It features a 39mm tantalum case that has been high polished using a proprietary technique. The vibrant blue chrome dial is visually interesting and is achieved by repeated application of lacquer paint on a black polished metal base. The numerals and hands are achieved with off-white lacquer paint for maximum visual contrast. Powering it is the manually wound calibre 1304 created from 18k rose gold. The watch has been recently serviced.

The Chronomtre Bleu was first released in 2009 with a seemingly simple formula. It is a time-only watch with a tantalum case with a blue chrome dial. However, there was more to it than initially met the eye.

The name of the metal it is crafted from, known for its incredible density and the scratch resistance that results from this property, references the torment of Tantalus, from Greek mythology.Tantalus was punished for revealing the secrets of the gods by being forced to stand knee-deep in water, while delicious-looking fruit grew above his head. Both water and fruit would recede every time he reached for these.The word "tantalising" has its roots in this legend.

The 39mm tantalum case on the Chronomtre Bleu which stands 8.5mm tall is notable because it is evenly high polished across all three parts. Tantalum is exceedingly tricky to polish, with the metal not reacting well to the process. The method employed at F. P. Journes manufacture is proprietary and a closely guarded secret.

The rounded bezel meets a slim, flat midcase which gives way to the rounded rim of the exhibition caseback. This last part is detailed with engravings chronicling the serial number, the name of the metal the case is crafted from, and the brand mark and motto. The caseback is secured by holt screws of a proprietary design. The profile of the short, down-turned lugs is as wide as the midcase from which they originate. The lugs terminate in a squared off way, further accentuating the Chronomtre Bleus flatness. The sizing and slim profile straddle the line between classicality and modernity.

The darkness of the metal is lifted by the blue chrome dial that alternatingly has the brightness of a clear midday sky and shades of the depths of the ocean. Its lustre is achieved by starting with a black polished base and adding layers of lacquer that are high polished in between applications. The dial furniture is achieved with off-white lacquer. On the outside lies a chemin de fer track of minutes, followed by a chapter of Arabic hours. A closer look at this chapter helps appreciate the volume and definition of each numeral. The same lacquer adorns the proprietary feuille-style hours and minutes hands.

The off-centre subsidiary seconds register has a different shade of blue. It features azurage finishing and a chemin de fer track followed by Arabic seconds at intervals of 10. It is plied by a simple pointer also coated in off-white lacquer paint.

Through the caseback is visible the solid 18k rose gold manually wound calibre 1304. It is a twin-barrel arrangement with a free-sprung balance and lever escapement. The movement, which is adjusted in six positions (one more than is required by chronometre standards) has a multi-tiered layout the baseplate wears perlage while the next layer, covering much of the wheels of the going train, is adorned with diamond-patterned barleycorn engine turning. The barrels bridge wears horizontal Ctes de Genve that appears uniform with the decoration on the balance bridge. The watch enjoys 56 hours of autonomy.

This particular example was produced early in the series and was first retailed in Florida in 2013. It has been recently serviced and comes with its box and warranty paperwork.

The Chronomtre Bleu has in our view rightly been feted by enthusiasts of the brand. Much like its dial, its apparent simplicity belies considerable depth and richness of technique.

Closer look

Condition

This Chronomtre Bleu is in good overall condition, having undergone a full overhaul with F.P. Journe in recent years.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.