In 2011, the master of 21st century horology, Francois-Paul Journe unveils the “Line Sport” collection dedicated to rigorous precision of sports activity. The Centigraphe Sport engineered with patented innovations and an astounding lightness is the first wristwatch to be made entirely in aluminium. Sporting in a 42mm diameter case is the in-house manual wound movement cal. 1506 that provides an intricate reading of 100th of a second, 20 seconds and 10 minutes with the most utmost accuracy. Each subsidiary dial displays the time scale in red with abbreviations of ‘S’, ‘M’ or ‘PR’ indicating seconds or minutes per revolution.

One ingenious feature of the movement is the ability to effectively isolate the chronograph from the time keeping function, meaning the balance amplitude would remain unaffected when the chronograph is running in full speed. The 100th of a second counter may be stopped on demand along its one-second journey around the dial with yet another clever innovation of an usual rocker pusher. Acting as a brake of this workhorse, the rocker allows quick manoeuvre between the start and stop function. It’s technicality brilliance was also known to be proudly conceived on the wrist of French Formula One racer, Jean Alesi, during his first INDY500 motorsports event.

Exclusively produced between 2011-2014, the model was later replaced by the titanium versions of the lineage. With an elegant and snug wrist presence, the Centrigraphe Sports in action truly fascinates and captures ones attention. The present example preserved in an attractive condition is a rare opportunity to obtain the discontinued aluminium model.