Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2018 Case No: 2-258CB Model Name: Chronomètre Bleu Material: Tantalum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1304, 22 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Tantalum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe International Guarantee Card, leather card holder, USB key, polishing cloth, fitted box and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
The Chronomètre Bleu became, upon its launch in 2011, an instant hit with waiting lists piling up. Rumor has it that there is close to 27 years of production backlog and retailers are no longer taking orders.
Although the Chronomètre Bleu was to be Journe’s "entry level" timepiece, the watchmaker went against the current (as usual) by creating a watch that hit the industry with a thunderous bang and immediately hit a sweet spot with collectors.
The excitement delivered was through Journe’s innovative approach in creating a case made out of the highly rare and delicate to handle tantalum, with a blue/grey tint perfectly complementing the amazing sheen of the blue chrome dial.
The movement is Journe’s caliber 1304 executed in pink gold and displays an equally high standard of execution and finish witnessed on all F.P. Journe wristwatches.
In excellent condition and offering a full set, the present Chronomètre Bleu offers a rare opportunity that should not be passed.
Founded by watchmaker François-Paul Journe in 1999, the F.P. Journe brand is relatively young, but already is as highly regarded by collectors as many distinguished manufacturers with centuries-old heritage. In the minds of the world's savviest collectors, Journe is producing some of the finest wristwatches the market has ever seen. Mastering his craft from restoring historical timepieces, he was the first to create a wristwatch incorporating two escapements that benefit from the phenomenon of resonance — the Chronomètre à Résonance.
Key models include the Résonance, tourbillon wristwatches incorporating a remontoir and the limited edition Vagabondage series. Especially sought-after are his earliest "souscription" watches, made in 1999.