Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2018 Case No: 7183-03/28 Model Name: Chronomètre Souverain “Holland & Holland” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 1304, 22 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel F.P. Journe deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe certificate and warranty dated December 28th, 2018, Holland & Holland x F.P. Journe information booklet, co-signed fitted presentation box, polishing cloth, and outer presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
As much as F.P. Journe timepieces are known for pushing the technical boundaries of haute horlogerie, some of his most coveted timepieces possess simpler movements paired with audacious design elements. An example of this audacity is the Chronomètre Souverain “Holland & Holland”, a limited series of 66 watches first released in 2017.
Two historical gun barrels made of Damascus steel sourced from renowned gunsmith Holland & Holland’s own museum were made available as the focal point of an exquisite series of timepieces. Barrel number 7183 dating to 1882, the source of the present watch’s dial, produced 28 dials and is reflected in the reference number of the watch. The other barrel, number 1382, relinquished 38 dials and dates to 1868. Each barrel was cut, rolled flat and cut again to create the requisite thickness for a dial at Holland & Holland’s factory. Then, the artisans at F.P. Journe’s own dial maker, Les Cadraniers de Genève, cut the shape of the dial out of those pieces. These dials were then returned to Holland & Holland where they underwent a “browning” process similar to “blueing” of steel in watchmaking which emphasizes the unique curves and patterns in the steel.
Rarely ever are F.P. Journe timepieces cased in steel, but this was the only fitting material to showcase such a dial. The brainchild of a longstanding employee of F.P. Journe, William Newman, only existing Journe and Holland & Holland clients were invited to apply to receive one of these rare timepieces.
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 fascinating and desirable limited edition stainless steel wristwatch with “Damascus steel” dial, certificate of origin, and presentation box; numbered 3 of a 28 piece limited edition
2018 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
