F.P. Journe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2022
    Case No: 428-CO
    Model Name: Chronomètre Optimum
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1510, 44 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by stamped and dated F.P. Journe international guarantee, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Initially envisioned as the timepiece designed for Francois-Paul Journe himself, the Chronomètre Optimum encapsulates the very essence of precision in Journe’s watchmaking ethos. With the intention to concisely deliver the most accurate and sustainable measurement of time, the conception of the original idea began in 2001 and was reworked until it finally reached production in 2012.

    Pinching a few familiar features from his Chronomètre Souverain and Tourbillon, the result is an incredibly accurate precision timepiece with the utmost longevity. Like the Souverain, the Optimum is equipped with a double-barrel layout that operates in parallel. The present model is also fitted with the Tourbillon’s one-second rementoir d'egalité system, which is on display in the aperture on the dial side, and provides a constant force to the escapement, governing the transfer of power between the mainspring and the escapement. Remarkably engineered, the patented, EBHP direct-impulse bi-axial escapement is fully functional without the need for oil or any type of lubrication. A gift that keeps on giving, the Chronomètre Optimum is further fitted with a "natural" dead-beat seconds, displayed on the reverse of the watch.

    The present platinum Chronomètre Optimum is framed in a 40mm case, not only packed with technical punch, but also with exceptional visual finesse. The choice of white gold surrounds and whitened guilloche silver dial nicely contrasts with the highly appealing blued steel hands. Uncompromising to quality, the masterfully decorated pink gold cal. 1510 movement brings the sight of delights to connoisseurs. With only a handful of Chronomètre Optimum previously appeared in auction, the present “like-new” example from 2022, accompanied by its original accessories, is highly rare. Crowned to be Journe’s most precise timepiece, and formulated with, in his words, “All the spices that make a good meal”, it is certainly a must-have piece for the collector of exceptional appetite.

  • Artist Biography

    F.P. Journe

    Swiss • 1999

    Founded by watchmaker François-Paul Journe in 1999, the F.P. Journe brand is relatively young, but already is as highly regarded by collectors as many distinguished manufacturers with centuries-old heritage. In the minds of the world's savviest collectors, Journe is producing some of the finest wristwatches the market has ever seen. Mastering his craft from restoring historical timepieces, he was the first to create a wristwatch incorporating two escapements that benefit from the phenomenon of resonance — the Chronomètre à Résonance.

    Key models include the Résonance, tourbillon wristwatches incorporating a remontoir and the limited edition Vagabondage series. Especially sought-after are his earliest "souscription" watches, made in 1999.

    View More Works

Σ941

A highly rare, impressive and “like-new” platinum chronometer wristwatch with dead-beat seconds, power reserve indication, remontoir, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2022
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 630,000 
€37,300-73,400
$41,000-80,800

Sold for HK$1,524,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023