One of a limited release of 8 pieces, this F.P. Journe Chronomtre Souverain de Boulle* was made as part of a collaboration between Journe and the Texan retailer de Boulle in 2007. With an unusual power reserve indicator, two-tone, tuxedo-style dial, and outstanding movement, this piece is a rare and particularly desirable iteration of the Chronomtre Souverain series.

This F.P. Journe Chronomtre Souverain de Boulle is part of a limited release of 8 pieces made for the Texan retailer de Boulle and falls under Journes Souverain collection. In 2005, the Chronomtre Souverain won the Favourite Mens Watch award the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Genve, the most prestigious award ceremony in the watch industry. Since then, the Chronomtre Souverain has seen a number of variations, but its attraction has not faded.

The dial of this Chronomtre Souverain de Boulle is a two-tone, tuxedo-style design that combines silver and ruthenium that complement each other and give the watch a subtle look. An interesting aspect of this timepiece lies in the power reserve, as when winding, instead of the indicator heading from 0 to 56, it goes the other way, from 56 to 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.

Journe is perhaps better known for his movements, and as part of this collection, the in-house created, manual-winding Calibre 1304 is made entirely of 18k rose gold, which can be seen through the sapphire caseback. The movement has two mainspring barrels in parallel, which work together to power the watch. What is perhaps most impressive is the chronometric balance fitted into the movement, which helps to provide the accuracy that F.P. Journe has based his watchmaking around.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this F.P.Journe Chronomtre Souverain de Boulle will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This F. P. Journe Chronomtre Souverain de Boulle is in very good condition overall, with a few superficial marks throughout consistent with minimal wear. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.