F.P. Journe - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2015
    Case No: 890-CB
    Model Name: Chronomètre Bleu
    Material: Tantalum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1304, 22 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Tantalum F. P. Journe buckle
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by F. P. Journe Certificate of Authenticity dated December 1, 2015, fitted presentation box, November 25, 2020 F. P. Journe service receipt, leather card holder, USB key, product literature, F. P. Journe gloves and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    François-Paul Journe is a modern watchmaker who brings technical skill and innovation to horology with classically designed timepieces that have a contemporary aesthetic. His company was established in 1999, and follows the motto “Invenit et Fecit” or “[He] invented it” an indication of the brand’s commitment to timepieces that are fully designed and produced in house. When the Chronomètre Souverain collection was introduced in 2005, it was Journe’s first wristwatch with a central time display. The parallel twin barrel movement was an ingenious means to split the pressure on the main gear providing for a more stable source of energy adding to the chronometric precision of the wristwatch. Even though the design was a tribute to traditional chronometers, the 2005 model had a subtly contemporary feel with large hour and minute hands, power reserve sector and seconds indications placed on the dial off center at the 7 and 8 o’clock. In 2009, Journe released the Chronomètre Bleu meant for a younger generation of collectors, and today is seen as a trend setter.

    The Tantalum metal case named for the “Torment of Tantalus” from Greek mythology is a rare, hard and lustrous metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. The grey-bluish hues of the case are complemented by the chrome blue dial that was designed without a power reserve indication, sporting a classic time only display with the eccentric seconds sub-dial. The Journe caliber 1304 is executed in pink gold and displays the high standard of execution and finish seen on all F.P. Journe wristwatches.

    Offered for the first time at auction, this modern Chronomètre Bleu is complete with Certificate of Authenticity and presentation box. The watch was serviced by F. P. Journe in 2020 and is in lovely condition. Contemporary, elegant and classic, this timepiece is the perfect match between the genius of its creator and timeless design; it will surely appeal to the collector of independent modern horological artisans.

  • 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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Σ97

A very fine and attractive tantalum wristwatch with chrome blue dial, Certificate of Authenticity, and presentation box

Circa 2015
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.

Estimate
$25,000 - 50,000 
CHF23,100-46,300
€22,200-44,300
HK$195,000-390,000

Sold for $119,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021