FP Journe is a watch brand founded in 1999 by independent watchmaker François-Paul Journe. As a microbrand, it produces small quantities and is highly sought after by watch enthusiasts around the world, making all of its models difficult to obtain. Regardless of whether they can get their hands on one, many watch enthusiasts are looking forward to new timepieces from FP Journe. In this article, we will introduce the brand's new watches, launched in 2025.
New for 2025: Chronometer Furtif
The Chronomètre Fourtif Bleu, exhibited at the 10th Only Watch event in 2024, which raises funds to support research into muscular dystrophy, attracted the attention of watch enthusiasts as the world's first model to feature a tantalum case and bracelet. This year, FP Journe has added a new model to its Line Sport collection: the Chronomètre Fourtif, which uses tungsten carbide.
Manual winding (Cal. 1522). 21 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 56 hours. Tungsten carbide case (42mm diameter, 9.5mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price upon request.
Tungsten carbide is an extremely hard material, with a Vickers hardness of approximately 1350 and a Mohs hardness of 9, close to the hardness of sapphire and ruby. In addition to being hard, it is also highly elastic, wear-resistant, impact-resistant, heat-resistant, oxidation-resistant, and chemical-resistant, and is also biocompatible. A familiar example of its application is metalworking tools, which utilize these excellent mechanical properties. It is easy to imagine that manufacturing exteriors from tungsten carbide, which can be considered tool steel, requires knowledge different from that of conventional machining and other processes.
One workshop that plays a major role in working with this material is Boitiers Genève, located in Meyrin, a suburb of Geneva. Boitiers Genève became part of Montres Journe in 2012 and is responsible for the production of FP Journe cases. Through repeated trial and error using the latest generation of processing tools, Boitiers Genève and François-Paul Journe have mastered the techniques to craft tungsten carbide into cases and three-link bracelets of a quality that meets FP Journe's standards.
This exceptional case is paired with a mirror-polished anthracite gray Grand Feu enamel dial. This dial is also crafted by Cadranier Genève, a subsidiary of FP Journe and renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship. Grand Feu enamel, which involves applying enamel to a white gold base and firing it at over 800°C, is a highly skilled technique, as achieving a uniform color is difficult and uneven thickness can lead to cracking. Once the dial base meets quality standards, the numerals and minute scale are laser-engraved onto it. While difficult to see to an outsider, the finish allows the owner of this watch to clearly see it by changing the angle of the light, creating a special touch for the owner. This feature also enhances the monochrome design of this watch while allowing the user to fully appreciate the texture of the Grand Feu enamel.
The watch is equipped with the 18K rose gold hand-wound movement, Cal. 1522. Notably, it is the first FP Journe watch to feature an inline gear train. The gear train is positioned on a horizontal line connecting 3 and 9 o'clock, with two barrels mounted on either side of it. This configuration also creates a symmetrical design between the top and bottom of the movement, which is also noteworthy. The back of the watch also features a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock and a moon phase display at 6 o'clock.
New for 2025: Chronomètre Souverain
A new model has also been added to FP Journe's signature collection, the Chronomètre Souverain.
Manual-winding (Cal. 1304). 22 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 56 hours. 18KRG case (40mm diameter, 8mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price upon request.
Manual winding (Cal. 1304). 22 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 56 hours. Pt case (diameter 40mm, thickness 8mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price upon request.
This collection, named "SOUVERAIN Chronometer," was inspired by 19th-century marine chronometers. Like marine chronometers, the dial features a power reserve indicator, making it easy to read, yet elegantly designed with traditional guilloched details. This time, the Chronomètre Souverain has been updated with a deep blue dial. It is available in two cases: 18K rose gold and platinum.
The movement used is the hand-wound Cal. 1304, which is also used in the Chronometer Bleu. This movement is characterized by its two symmetrical barrels, and the gear train is located on the dial side, so when viewed through the case back, you can see the movement of the barrels and the large balance wheel.
