F.P.Journe Chronometre Bleu Watch Review
Angus Davies reviews the F.P.Journe Chronometre Bleu, a watch with a gorgeous blue dial, created in the brand’s atelier in central Geneva. The products from this Maison are wonderful exemplars of haute horlogerie.
François-Paul Journe – a French Master
I love the man who is Master of his craft. I’m no art connoisseur but I particularly appreciate the work of the great 17th-Century Dutch Masters, especially Van Meer. Intimacy, mood and luminosity were perfectly exemplified by Van Meer. He was from Delft and his work is admired for its sensitivity and the way he captures light.
In the world of watches, there are masters also and François-Paul Journe is one.
F.P.Journe
François-Paul Journe is a French Master, now based in a haven of horology, Geneva. Journe is a Master Watchmaker of world renown. At the tender age of 20, he embarked on the ambitious project of making his first tourbillon pocket watch. A project incorporating one of the most complex complications, it was not for the faint-hearted. It took five years to complete the pieces, a testament to his determination and patience.
Monsieur Journe has created beautiful watches for the last 45 years. His work stands in comparison with marques which have been in existence since the 18th Century. Van Meer signed and dated only one work in 1656, The Procuress. Journe signs all of his masterpieces with his name proudly displayed on the dial followed by his own label Invenit et Fecit, certifying that all his creations are entirely invented and made in the workshops of the Genevan Manufacture.
There is honour in the use of his name as he ensures each watch is the responsibility of its watchmaker. They are responsible for its complete assembly. Moreover, they remain responsible for each watch they produce during its warranty period. This pride in one’s own work demonstrates the integrity of this assemblage of artisans. Van Meer blended hues like blue, a noble colour, with perceptivity. F.P.Journe has created the Chronometre Bleu with a wondrous shade worthy of any great artist.
F.P.Journe Chronometre Bleu – tantalum case
The case of the Chronometre Bleu is constructed from Tantalum. This material offers a rare dark grey colour with blue overtones and provides superb resistance to corrosion and wear. However, it is not an obvious choice for a watch case due to the incredible difficulty in manipulating the material. This is because of its very high fusion temperature of 3800°C and density of 16.6. The challenge is obvious but the pursuit of beauty did not dissuade F.P.Journe.
Another subtle detail which I think is delightful is the crown. Look closely and it has a rope-like pattern running around its circumference. A knurled knob would have afforded grip, but the delicate details surpass functionality and offer aesthetic appeal to its fortunate wearer.
F.P.Journe Chronometre Bleu – dial
The dial is a wonderful blue, featuring contrasting Arabic numerals and details. A chapter ring aids the interpretation of the time. A subsidiary seconds dial is located between 7 o’clock and 8 o’clock. Examine this dial closely and you will see guilloché. The craftsmanship is omnipresent. The F.P.Journe name sits proudly below 12 o’clock with the accompanying text; “Invenit et Fecit”, invented and made. This certifies that the “watch’s exclusive movement was designed, constructed and assembled solely in the workshops of the Geneva manufacture”.
F.P.Journe Chronometre Bleu – Calibre 1304
F.P.Journe movements are produced in-house. They are of the highest quality and feature perlage and engraving typical of Haute Horlogerie. However, they offer something unique, construction with 18-carat rose gold. The Calibre 1304 is manual wind, with 22 jewels. It has a power reserve of 56 hours.
I am grateful to F.P.Journe for equipping this watch with a sapphire caseback. As you gaze in wonderment at the movement, it is hard not to be hypnotised by the flawless finissage. Alas, some of the finissage is hidden from view but resides within the case as a matter of technical correctness. The partly circular grained base plate features barleycorn guilloché and the calibre has polished screw heads, chamfered slots and pegs with polished rounded ends. F.P.Journe takes its time to produce matchless miracles of horology.
F.P.Journe Chronometre Bleu – closing thoughts
In a relatively short time, François-Paul Journe has become a supreme Master of Haute Horlogerie. I believe his work would not be out of place in an art gallery, but I prefer to see his watches worn by fellow admirers of his work. Monsieur Journe is a French Master, based in Geneva, creating modern classics, which deserve praise. I hope one day his work will be talked about in the context of the “Genevan Golden Age”.
Technical specification
- Model: F.P.Journe Chronometre Bleu
- Reference: CB
- Case: Tantalum; 39.00 mm diameter; height 8.60 mm; sapphire crystal to both front and rear.
- Functions: hours; minutes; subsidiary seconds.
- Calibre: Calibre 1304, 18-carat rose gold, hand-wound, frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz), power reserve 56 hour, 22 jewels, 129 parts without dial.
- Strap: Blue leather strap on pin buckle