Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2014 Case No: 072-CO Model Name: Chronomètre Optimum Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1510, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum and 18K white gold F.P. Journe deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe certificate of authenticity card, original purchase invoice dated January 11th 2014, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box, and outer box.
Catalogue Essay
The Chronomètre Optimum was first conceived as an idea in 2001, however the first example was not released until 2012. A showcase of watchmaking proficiency, it adopts concepts from other Journe models: the double barrel layout of the Chronomètre Souverain, and the remontoir d'égalité system of his tourbillon wristwatch. The Optimum is to be considered Journe’s “ultimate” technical essay on precision, reuniting the most efficient chronometer solutions from previous models, and then adding to them a new escapement of Journe’s design.
The solid 18K pink gold movement features indeed Journe’s patented ‘BHP’ - Bi-axial Hi Performance - escapement. Inspired by works of Abraham-Louis Breguet, this natural escapement employs two escapement wheels (thus, Bi-axial) rather than the usual single one. This solution, coupled with special design geometries, allows for the escapement to function without lubrication and ensures more reliability overall and reduced wear and tear. The remontoir d'égalité system, escape wheels, and pallet fork are made from lightweight titanium further enabling greater timekeeping precision. An additional dead-beat seconds indicator, connected to the remontoir, is displayed on the backside of the movement.
Consigned by the original owner and preserved in like new condition with all original accessories, the present Chronomètre Optimum in platinum with white gold dial measures 40mm and dates to 2014. All proceeds from the hammer price result will be donated by the consignor to UNICEF.
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.
An attractive and technically impressive platinum chronometer wristwatch with remontoir, deadbeat seconds, power reserve indicator, guarantee, and presentation box, sold to benefit charity
2014 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
