The Chronomtre Optimum* represents the culmination of Journe's efforts to produce a watch that functions with superior precision, and draws upon his experience with restoring 18th and 19th century marine chronometers and pocket watches. Taking elements from the Chronomtre Souverain and the Tourbillon, the watch bears Journe's quintessential aesthetics, in addition to his technical skill.
When Franois-Paul Journe envisioned the Chronomtre Optimum in the 1980s, he imagined a design that included three hands, two mainsprings and a remontoir dgalit. The original concept for the watch would be reworked in 2001, and it took another 10 years for the watch to be produced, in 2012.
Journe drew upon elements of design from the Chronomtre Souverain and the Tourbillon for the design of the Chronomtre Optimum. Like the Souverain, the Optimum utilises a double-barrel layout, operating in parallel. Borrowing from the Tourbillon, the Optimum uses the one-second remontoir degalit system. The latter isdisplayed within the small aperture on the dial side, and it provides constant force to the escapement, acting as a transmission and balancing system for the transfer of power between the mainspring and the escapement. The patented, EBHP direct-impulsefunctions without any oil or any form of lubrication.Connected to this, a "natural" deadbeat seconds indication is displayed on the caseback.
The combination of these systems offers a more stable delivery of energy to the movement. According to Journe himself, the Optimum is thus the ultimate chronometer, achieved by the maximum possible reduction of internal friction in the movement. The manual-winding calibre 1510 is made from 18k rose gold with Ctes de Genve, constructed with 44 jewels, oscillating at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The movement is beautifully finished and elaborately decorated, with contrasts established between the circular graining on the baseplate and Geneva stripes on the bridges.
On the dial, the words Invenit et Fecit (Latin for Invented and Made) are inscribed above the two subsidiary dials, in classic F. P. Journe style - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. The power-reserve indicator is located at 6 oclock, with a red accent that gives a pop of colour against the grey dial. Sized at a contemporary 40mm, this Chronomtre Optimum features a rounded bezel, thin lugs, and a flat crown with a rope-like pattern, made slightly larger for the Optimum. The case is polished to a mirror finish, while the dial is textured, displaying a separate silvered guilloch dial for the hours and minutes, along with a running seconds sub-dial at 9 oclock.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this F. P. Journe Chronomtre Optimum will be subject to 20% VAT
Closer look
| Brand: | F. P. Journe |
| Model: | Chronomtre Optimum |
| Movement: | manual-winding calibre 1510 |
| Functions: | power reserve indicator, hours, minutes, sub-seconds,"natural" deadbeat seconds on the back |
| Features: | one-second remontoir dgalit, blued steel hands, guilloch sub-dial, display back |
| Case material: | platinum |
| Case diameter: | 40mm |
| Case thickness: | 10mm |
| Lug-to-lug: | 47.5mm |
| Crystal: | sapphire front & back |
| Strap: | bespoke light grey leather strap from our own collection, black alligator strap, F. P. Journe platinum pin buckle |
| Lug width: | 20 x 19mm (curved) |
| Accompanying materials: | box & papers |
Condition
This F. P. Journe Chronomtre Optimum is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show very little signs of wear throughout, consistent with minimal wear over time. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections. The hallmarks and engravings on the caseback are crisp and well defined.
Warranty
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
