F.P. Journe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2017
    Case No: 274-CO
    Model Name: Chronomètre Optimum "Jade Dial"
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1510, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, F.P. Journe warranty card dated 23 August 2017, polishing cloth, USB keys and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While the Chronomètre Optimum demonstrates a technical feat of horological genius, collectors are immediately drawn to the subtle mint green jade dial of the present watch, which gives it a visually arresting appeal. The present example is to the best of our research the first Chronomètre Optimum with Jade dial to grace the international auction market.

    Jade is rarely used in timepieces as at a certain thickness (or thin-ness), jade will crack, and it requires extreme care, skill, and artisanship to place in a watch dial. Though known for its importance in East and South Asian cultures, jade also possesses special meaning for Mesoamerican cultures and the Māori of New Zealand, where it is considered a taonga or “treasure” protected by the Treaty of Waitangi. The present piece of jade possesses a calming sea foam color, reminiscent of the warm and shallow waters of one of the Pacific islands. A close study of the dial reveals mesmerizing details, including how the printing of all text and graphics over the main jade dial appear to float above the surface. 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.

    FP Journe models with special dials were only upon application, never in the catalogue and reserved for the brand’s most important collectors making the present Chronomètre Optimum with green jade dial an incredibly important and collectible timepiece.

  • Artist Biography

    F.P. Journe

    Swiss • 1999

    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.

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Σ22

A spectacular platinum chronometer wristwatch with jade dial, deadbeat seconds, power reserve indicator, guarantee and presentation box

2017
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, buckle signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€208,000-415,000
$220,000-440,000

Sold for CHF533,400

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023