The Centigraphe Souvrain was first introduced in 2007 immediately making a statement in the industry. Packed with technical brilliance and ingenuity, the introduction of the watch further elevated Mr. Journe’s creations into the formidable elite of haute horlogerie. With early examples of the model encased in a 40mm case, the updated version featured a slightly larger 42mm case. Powered by in-house cal. 1506 composed of 18K gold, the complex movement enables the dial to display an unconventional chronograph with 100th of a second register, 20 seconds register and a 10 minutes register. Operated by another yet innovative and rarely seen pusher on the right side of the case band, the pusher activates and deactivates the chronograph with three registers activated at the same time. Instantaneously bringing ones attention to the dial, the 100th of a second register is perhaps the point of fascination that most would surrender to. With the chronographic hand moving at such high speed, another interesting note is that the movement architecture features a mechanism within that isolates the chronograph from its time keeping system, meaning that the amplitude would not be affected when the chronograph is activated.

The present example of a Centigraphe Souverain Black Label is further enhanced by its rarity. Only available at F.P. Journe boutiques, the Black Label collection of watches are only encased in platinum with a black lacquer dial. With only small quantities produced for each Black Label edition of watches, the present is most definitely a desirable variant of the Centigraphe Souverain to acquire. Furthermore, presented in excellent overall condition with the full set of accessories and believed to have only been worn a handful of times certainly elevates the level of attraction of this particular piece.