Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2020 Case No: 187-CO Model Name: Chronomètre Optimum Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1510, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by undated F.P. Journe Warranty card stamped by Montres Journe SA, USB key, leather card/key holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The Chronomètre Optimum was first conceived as an idea in 2001, however the first example was not released until 2012. A showcase of watchmaking proficiency, it adopts concepts from other Journe models: the double barrel layout of the Chronomètre Souverain, and the remontoir d'égalité system of his Tourbillon wristwatch. The Optimum is to be considered Journe’s “ultimate” technical essay on precision, reuniting the most efficient chronometer solutions from previous models, and then adding to them a new escapement.
The solid 18 karat pink gold movement features indeed the patented ‘BHP’ - Bi-axial Hi Performance - escapement. Inspired by works of A.L. Breguet - a great source of inspiration for Journe also due to his formative years restoring antique timepieces in Paris - this natural escapement employs two escapement wheels (thus, Bi-axial) rather than the usual single one. This solution, coupled with special design geometries, allows for the movement to function without lubrication and ensures more reliability overall and less wear and tear. The remontoir d'égalité system is made from lightweight titanium and connected to the additional dead-beat seconds indicator displayed on the backside of the movement. The movement is capable of 70-hours of power reserve when fully wound, with 50 hours possible without loss of amplitude.
Manufactured in pink gold and platinum, it can feature a 40 mm case or, such as in this instance, a more substantial 42 mm diameter, granting utmost presence on the wrist, in fact as Journe tells it himself, he designed the Optimum originally in a 42mm case as he believed it was the best size for this piece.
Without a doubt a technical marvel, Journe believes that a Chronomètre Optimum will continue to keep accurate time for hundreds of years given proper care and maintenance.
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 very attractive, uncommon and mechanically extremely refined platinum chronometer wristwatch with power reserve, remontoir d'égalité, BHP escapement, warranty and box
Circa 2020 42mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed