The artisanal production technique involved with many aspects of watchmaking has a direct consequence whereby the most skilled specialist in their respective fields (whether it is enameling, case making, or pure watchmaking) acquire the status of true champions and regarded as near legendary figures. Names like Suzanne Rohr (enameller), Gay Frères (bracelet maker), Wenger (case maker) come to mind, but even in modern times a few “lighthouse” names have emerged. Among watchmakers, F.P. Journe needs virtually no introduction, having managed to create from scratch a brand (and relative aesthetic code) which is now among the most sought-after in the current market.

Maybe less of a household name - but at least equally legendary in his own field to Mr. Journe - J.P. Hagmann is widely considered one of the (if not the) best case maker in the entire history of horology, having collaborated with virtually all the most important brands. To give an example, when in 1989 Patek Philippe created the most complicated watch in the world (the Calibre 89), Hagmann was their case maker of choice for the pieces.

The present watch thus represents a “rendez-vous of titans”, being a special commission featuring a chronograph movement with date, and minute repeater mechanism executed by F.P. Journe, and a sublimely executed gold Hagmann case.

The handwritten Hagmann certificate (which specifies not only the authenticity, but also the unicity of the watch, the Hagmann case provenance, and even the F.P. Journe collaboration) together with Mr. Hagmann's notes on how the case should be (lugs design, dial kind, etc.) are the final icing on the cake for the collector of important and unusual timepieces.