Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2014 Case No: 223-CT Model Name: Centigraphe Souverain “F” Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1506, 50 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Platinum F.P. Journe bracelet, max overall length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe guarantee card, information booklet, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box, and outer box.
Catalogue Essay
In production between 2008 and 2017, the F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain “F” was available as a boutique exclusive and upon special request only. The combination of a striking red dial and yellow accented hands are daring design choices, brought off with the aplomb and confidence inherent in a Journe timepiece. The combination of fifteen years of research and testing by Journe combined with the inspiration of his relationship with Jean Todt, who was at the time the CEO of Ferrari (and later the FIA president) resulted in the creation of this “unprecedented” chronograph. It was an answer to the question – “what is the ideal watch for car racing.” Upon the birth of the Centigraphe in 2008, Jean Todt was named its “godfather.”
Powered by the in-house cal. 1506 composed of 18K gold bridges and plates, the complex movement enables the dial to display an unconventional chronograph with 100th of a second register, 20 seconds register and a 10 minute register.
Paired with a luxurious platinum five-row bracelet, the overall effect of the dial, accents, and platinum livery result in a tremendous effect. It is further accompanied by all of its original accessories.
The dial’s red color is that of Ferrari, the automobile manufacturer, and is known as “rosso corsa”, or racing red. Jean Todt had sent Journe a paint sample of the color, to which it was matched. Upon closer examination of the dial, it is remarkably a solid gold dial base, treated to be red, with layers of lacquer on top giving an overall three-dimensional effect. Preserved in excellent overall condition, this Centigraphe “F”, one of only approximately 20 believed made is considered the most coveted of all Journe Centigraphes.
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.
A striking, extremely rare, and innovative platinum chronograph wristwatch with vibrant red dial, bracelet, 100th of a second, 20-second, 10-minute registers, guarantee, and presentation box
Circa 2014 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
