F.P. Journe - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2015
    Case No: 994-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 13 August, 2020.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Since his debut in 1999, F.P. Journe has never failed to impress collectors, and he is the only manufacturer of fine wristwatches to have won three Aiguille d’Or awards at the GPHG. In 2009, F.P. Journe decided to create an “entry level” chronometer timepiece for the brands’ admirers, giving them the opportunity to own an F.P. Journe timepiece. However, he didn’t want his “entry level” watch to be in stainless steel similar to other manufacturers, and thinking outside the box, instead opted to use the unusual material, tantalum, a lustrous highly corrosion-resistant metal. His new model would be based on his earlier Chronomètre Souverain model.

    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.

    F. P. Journe’s Chronomètre Bleu is a stunning result. Encased in a beautiful and refined 39mm tantalum case, the dial is a highly reflective chrome blue with white texts. With a mesmerizing blue sheen of the dial showing countless shades of blue under various lighting, the tantalum case has a greyish-blue hue with a robust, highly scratch resistant surface. Innovative and cutting edge, the model was very well-received and soon became one of the hottest F.P. Journe timepieces on the market.

    The present example from circa 2015 is offered for the first time at auction, and in excellent overall condition. Extremely attractive, this iconic wristwatch will surely impress collectors of fine timepieces seeking something extraordinary.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ9

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

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

Estimate
$25,000 - 50,000 
CHF24,700-49,400
€23,700-47,300
HK$196,000-392,000
S$34,600-69,300

Sold for $86,940

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022