François-Paul Journe is a modern watchmaker who uses his technical talent and ingenuity to create classic-looking wristwatches with a modern style. His firm, F.P. Journe, was founded in 1999 and operates under the slogan Invenit et Fecit, meaning [He] invented it and made it, indicating that the brand's timepieces are entirely developed and manufactured in-house.

The focus of the Chronomètre Souverain, as the name of the line suggests, is chronometric precision. Although its design pays homage to ancient chronometers, it has been applied in a discreetly and elegant contemporary fashion.

The silver dial features a “Hobnail” like guilloché pattern in the center, which is different to the guilloché pattern of later examples. The same applies to the signature on the dial which is larger than those found on later production models.

The power reserve is also an intriguing feature, since instead of going from 0-56, the reserve indicator moves when wound in the opposite direction, towards 0. This is inspired from naval chronometer clocks that indicated the hours passed since the movement was wound and not how many hours are left.

The signature blue F.P. Journe hands contrast well with the silver tones of the dial. Overall, the dial is elegantly well balanced and easy to read, a subsidiary second counter is located between 7 and 8 o'clock, with a power-reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, indicating 56 hours.

Preserved in excellent overall condition the timepiece is a true staple and testament of elegance and chronometric precision.

Furthermore, the present timepiece from 2005 come from the first batch of production of this important series and is numbered 009, one of the first ones ever to be made making it more than a unique opportunity for F.P Journe collectors to acquire one of the first examples from the Souverain line.