Name: Chronomtre Bleu | Tantalum
SKU: 438328

Housed in a 39mm case, the Chronomtre Bleu is one of very few watches to be produced in the rare, dark-grey metal, tantalum. Rarely used in watchmaking due to its difficulty to work with, tantalum is highly resistant to both corrosion and wear. Measuring at just 8.6mm thick, the Chronomtre Bleu comfortably fits beneath a cuff, and is made distinctive by s signature flat crown. Quintessentially Journein both its design language and movement, this example was originally sold in February 2016.

The polished-dial is an uncommon feature, displaying various shades of blue which compliment the grey-blue colour of tantalum. Together, these blue overtones give the watch its name. The signature-style hands are off-white and contrast with the polished dial, to improve legibility. The outer-track holds embossed decorative Arabic numerals (also off-white in colour), which vary in size dependent on their location on the dial. Between 7 and 8 oclock is a subsidiary seconds, as seen in the n, though the Chronomtre Bleu goes without a power-reserve indication. Overall, the dial layout is cleanly designed and excellently legible.

The movement is certainly independent haute horlogerie at its finest. The in-house Calibre 1304 is made entirely of 18-carat rose-gold, and seen through the sapphire caseback. The movement has two mainspring barrels in parallel, which work together, powering the movement. Most impressively, is the chronometric balance fitted into the movement, which helps to provide the accuracy thatF.P. Journehas based his watchmaking around. The hand finishing is expertly conducted, mixing a combination of circular graining with sunburst and wave patterns. All screw heads are polished and all edges neatly chamfered with aCte de Genvemotif on the bridges.

It comes with its original F.P Journedark blue alligator strap, corresponding tantalum tang buckle, and is currently fitted on a pastel greynubuckstrap, withcurved ends hugging the tantalum case. ThisChronomtre Bleuisa full-set, withits accompanying box, guarantee card and paperwork (stamped William & Son).

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	F. P. Journe
Model:	Chronomtre Bleu
Movement:	mechanical manual-winding Cal.1304
Functions:	time-only:hours, minutes, subsidiary-seconds
Features:	polished blue dial, display-back
Case:	39 mmtantalum
Crystal:	sapphire front and back
Strap:	,F.P Journedark blue alligator strap and tantalum tang buckle
Lug/buckle width:
Year:	2017
Box & papers:	full set - box, USB, stamped warranty card, manual

This tantalum F.P. Journe Chronomtre Bleu was purchased in April, 2017, and retains perfect mechanical functionality. The case is in very good, unpolished condition, with a small number of signs of superficial wear, consistent with light wear. The watch is full-set and comes on a dark-blue alligator strap from F. P. Journe with corresponding tantalum tang buckle.