Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2015 Case No: 50/99 Byblos Model Name: Chronomètre Bleu - Byblos Material: Tantalum Calibre: Manual, Cal. 1304, 22 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather, further accompanied by an extra F.P. Journe strap Clasp/Buckle: Tantalum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, Certificate, user manual, blue F.P. Journe strap and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
The present timepiece is part of the ultra rare and elusive Chornomètre Bleu Byblos models that were made in a limited edition of 99 pieces in 2014 in celebration of the opening of Journe’s boutique in Beirut (Lebanon).
However, the present example is part of an even rarer sub category within this collection as it is one of only 20 Byblos models made featuring Eastern Arabic numerals.
The name Byblos is a homage to the Lebanese city of Byblos, the world’s oldest Phoenician port and already one of the world’s most important commercial and cultural cities over 2000 years ago!
The dial of this model represents the sun of the Orient set in a Mediterranean blue sky. The dial has been opened to showcase the beautiful guilloché pink gold movement underneath, the outer blue segment features Eastern Arabic numerals.
Interestingly the J in the F.P Journe logo is replaced by the Phoenician letter “Yodh” pronounced J. Yodh is also the 10th letter of the Phoenician alphabet, a nod to Journe’s 10th boutique opening in Beirut. The case of the present model, like the other Chronomètre Bleu models is made of tantalum.
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.
An incredibly rare and attractive limited edition tantalum wristwatch with open dial and Eastern Arabic numerals number 50 of a 99 piece limited edition
2015 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed