This is quintessentially an F.P Journe in both its design language and movement. Housed in a classical, 38mm rose-gold case, it is made distinctive by F.P. Journes signature flat crown with a rope like pattern. It's also one of few pieces that still represent the Souverain's original, inspired design the classic 38 mm case, since no longer in production.

The silver dial displays a hobnail, Clous de Paris pattern, while the outer track holds the embossed decorative arabic numerals. The signature F.P. Journe style hands are blued steel, forming a contrast between the silver dial tones to improve readability. Between 7 and 8 oclock is a subsidiary seconds, with power-reserve indicator at 3 o'clock showing 56 hours. Overall, the dial layout is cleanly designed and excellently legible.

An interesting aspect of this timepiece lies in the power reserve, as when winding, instead of the indicator heading from 0-56, it goes the other way towards 0. This was deliberate by F.P. Journe, who borrowed this from marine chronometer clocks. The reasoning behind this lies in the idea that the power reserve indicator on this Chronomtre Souverain is not meant to tell you how many hours there are left, but instead how many hours since you have wound the watch.

While this piece is undeniably attractive, it is the movement that F.P. Journe is famed for. It is certainly independent haute horlogerie at its finest, as the in house, Calibre 1304 is made entirely of 18-carat rose-gold, seen through the sapphire case-back. 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 that F.P. Journe has 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 a Cte de Genve motif on the bridges.

In 2005, this watch won the Favourite Mens Watch award the GPHG (Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Genve), the most prestigious award ceremony in the watch industry.

This watch comes with a bespoke Parisgrained leather strap with curved-ends (measuring 20 x 19mm), along with the original alligator Journe strap and 18-carat rose gold tang buckle.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment only.

Closer look