A classic from F. P. Journe's oeuvre, this relatively early example of the Chronomtre Souverain is elegant in both design language and movement. Housed in a 40mm, rose-gold case, it is made distinctive by F.P. Journes signature flat crown with a rope like pattern.

One of the brand's most pared back pieces,this precision chronometer is inspired by the marine chronometers of the early 20th century. TheChronomtre Souverainspeaks to Journe's long-standing commitment to accuracy andrestrained design.

According to Pierre Halimi, the current General Manager for the brand in North America, Journe wanted theChronomtre Souverainto be the very first watch he would launch in 1999, after establishing his eponymous brand. However, he was shrewd enough to realise that he needed to prove his worth as a watchmaker, before he could pursue a passion project such as this. A few years later, having cemented his reputation, theChronomtre Souverainbecame a reality.

In 2005, theChronomtre Souverainwon theFavourite Mens Watchaward at theGPHG, orGrand Prix dHorlogerie de Genve,the most prestigious award ceremony in the watch industry. Since then, it has established itself as one of the brand's most popular models, withonly a handful of limited pieces being produced, alongside a small number of custom requests from existing clients.

The distinctive dial is combined with a40mm rose-gold case, offering a warm-toned contrast and extremely classical appearance. The silver dial features a Clous de Paris pattern in the centre, while the outer track holds the embossed decorative Arabic numerals. Meanwhile, the signatureF.P. Journestyle hands are blued, forming an excellent contrast against the silver tones of the dial. Between 7 and 8 oclock, is a subsidiary seconds, with a power-reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, showing 56 hours.

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, towards 0. This was a deliberate choice from Franois-Paul Journewho borrowed the feature from marine chronometer clocks. The reasoning behind this lies in the idea that the power reserve indicator on thisChronomtre Souverainis not meant to tell you how many hours there are left, but instead how many hours have elapsed since you wound the watch.

While this piece is undeniably attractive, it is the movement thatF.P. Journeis famed for. Part of the manual-winding, it captures the spirit of independent haute horlogerie at its finest, with the in-housecalibre 1304being made entirely of 18k rose gold. Visible 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 watchmaker himself explains it as such, "chronometrywas invented by the 18th century English and French watchmakers, when their respective governments organised a competition that would reward the first watchmaker capable of making a timekeeper that could be carried on board a ship."

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.

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

Closer look

Condition

This F. P. Journe Chronomtre Souverain is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show light superficial marks though only on the very surface of the material. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections. On the caseback and buckle, the hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

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