F.P.Journe Chronometre Souverain Watch Review
The F.P.Journe Chronometre Souverain is endowed with a glorious guilloché dial incorporating a clous de Paris pattern. Behind its prepossessing face sits the Calibre 1304, a hand-wound movement formed of 18-carat rose gold.
François-Paul Journe, creator of sublime timepieces
François-Paul Journe has an astute ability to design stunningly sublime timepieces which bear his own unique design language. The F. P. Journe Chronometre Souverain is no exception with gorgeous guilloché to beguile prospective wearers. F.P.Journe offers an extensive range of models which include the most complex of complications; tourbillons and minute repeaters. However, it is this relatively simple model which has arrested my attention.
The F.P.Journe Chronometre Souverain was been inspired by marine chronometers of yesteryear but these days it is the ideal companion when navigating the Champs Elysées, Bond Street and Fifth Avenue, especially with its aristocratic persona.
F.P.Journe Chronometre Souverain dial
The F.P.Journe Chronometre Souverain is endowed with a silver dial with glorious guilloché at its centre enriched with a hobnail pattern, aka clous de Paris. Clean blued steel hands elegantly convey hours and minutes. Subsidiary seconds are located on a small subdial located between 7 o’clock and 8 o’clock. It has a Moiré finish with a blued steel hand detailed with a round counterweight. A chemin de fer runs along the perimeter of the subdial, a miniature version of the minute rail framing the dial.
A key detail of the dial is the interface between the subdial and the chapter ring. Examine the dial and the Roman numerals depicting the hours appear equal. But some numerals are more equal than others. Scrutinise the dial more closely, the numerals closest to the subdial are slightly smaller and the weight of the font is lighter than those located on the opposite side of the dial. At first glance, all appears in balance and in harmony but by altering the size and boldness of the numerals the subdial does not deprive the wearer of a full set of numerals.
Adjacent the crown is a power reserve indicator. A blued hand arcs from north to south as increasing energy is imparted to the spring barrels. F.P.Journe certainly chose an arduous route to ascend. Most watchmakers would not locate the power reserve near the crown as the area is already congested with the keyless-works. Monsieur Journe embraced the challenge in pursuit of aesthetics and the result is splendidly stylish. The chapter ring features a minute rail and another example of the guillocher’s craft, satiné circulaire.
F.P.Journe Chronometre Souverain case
The prospective purchaser has the choice of platinum or red gold. I personally prefer the platinum case. It sits in harmony with the adjacent silver-toned dial and is a paragon of tasteful restraint. The 40 mm case is highly polished and features a charming crown with a recherché rope-like pattern proffering notable grip.
F.P.Journe Chronometre Souverain – Calibre 1304
F.P. Journe makes the finest expressions of Haute Horlogerie. The allure of a Journe watch is not limited to a pretty face or a curvaceous body. On the contrary, beyond its pulchritudinous appearance, there is an immense intelligence within. The Calibre 1304 is a Manufacture movement, reinforced by the strapline gracing the dial, “Invenit et Fecit”, invented and made. The slogan refers to the conception, manufacture and assembly of the watches that takes place within the company’s premises.
The manually wound movement is made of 18-carat rose gold. Admire the finissage through the sapphire caseback and you will witness a warm glow. All is well with the world of Haute Horologerie. The plate is adorned with perlage prevalent and the bridges are enriched with Côte de Genève motif. Screw heads are polished. Slots are chamfered. The artisan’s endeavour is ubiquitously shown.
F.P.Journe Chronometre Souverain – closing thoughts
The F. P. Journe Chronometre Souverain is not encumbered with numerous complications. Its beauty is the simple presentation of its harmonious form. There is substance behind the style and I am not alone in this opinion. The watch won the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève back in 2005 and it still retains its fresh-faced appeal today.
The look appears elegantly understated. It does not try to be regal. It is regal. This is no pretender to the crown. It is a king among timepieces, a worthy sovereign.
Technical specification
- Model: F.P. Journe Chronometre Souverain
- Case: Platinum; diameter 40.00 mm; height 8.60 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and back.
- Functions: Hours; minuntes; subsidiary seconds; power reserve indicator.
- Movement: Calibre 1304; manual winding; Frequency 21,600 vph; 22 jewels; Power reserve 56 hours.
- Strap: Black leather platinum pin buckle.