Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
Year: 2022
Case No: No. 384-CO
Model Name: Chronomètre Optimum “Boutique Edition”
Material: 18K pink gold
Calibre: Manual, cal. 1310, 44 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold F.P. Journe buckle
Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe International Guarantee card dated March 31st, 2022, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box, and outer box.
Catalogue Essay
The Chronometré Optimum was first conceived as an idea in 2001, however the first example was not released until 2012. Adopting concepts from other Journe models, like the double barrel layout of the Chronometré Souverain, and the rementoir d'egalité system of his Tourbillon wristwatch, the Optimum is Journe’s “ultimate” chronometer operating with the least amount of friction to maintain “optimum” chronometric performance over years of use.

The solid 18 karat pink gold movement features a patented ‘EBHP’ direct impulse escapement with a bi-axial design, and remontoire for accuracy and constant force. The movement functions without lubrication, and the two escape wheels allow for lower impact during the transfer of energy, which over time ensures more reliability and less wear. The rementoir d'egalité system is made from lightweight titanium and connected to the additional dead-beat seconds indicator displayed on the backside of the movement. The movement is capable of 70-hours of power reserve when fully wound, with 50 hours possible without loss of amplitude.

Manufactured in pink gold and platinum, as well as in 40mm and 42mm case diameters, the Chronometré Optimum is a technical marvel that Journe believes will continue to keep accurate time for hundreds of years with proper care and maintenance.

The present 40mm diameter example is set apart as a F.P. Journe “Boutique Edition” bearing a coveted black dial housed in an 18 karat pink gold case. Interestingly, this is the first black dial and pink gold variant of any F.P. Journe watch Phillips has offered to date. Similar to the “Black Label”, “Boutique Editions” are reserved for the brand’s most important clients and are therefore extremely limited in production and rarely offered publicly. Offered by the original owner, the watch is virtually new, and complete with its original guarantee and presentation box, having been purchased in March of 2022.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this lot will go to benefit Ukrainian refugees through Chabad Schluchim.

Consigned by the Original Owner
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.
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