A timepiece that will be passed down forever #06 FP Journe "Chronomètre Souverain"

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of FP Journe's signature Chronomètre Souverain. Inspired by the history of the chronometer and uniquely designed to achieve the ultimate in precision, this enduring masterpiece has not only captivated watch enthusiasts worldwide as a timeless classic, but has also become a legend in the field of haute horlogerie, one that will be passed down to future generations.

A top-of-the-line chronometer for everyday use, created by a modern genius watchmaker with exceptional precision.

　With the revival of mechanical watches, a number of exceptionally talented independent watchmakers began to flourish around the year 2000. One of the most prominent figures among them was undoubtedly François-Paul Journe. Born in Marseille, France, he restored historic watches in Paris and, as an independent watchmaker, helped develop complicated movements for well-known watch brands. In 1999, he founded his own brand, FP Journe, in Geneva.

　At the time, the brand was only known among a select few experts and enthusiasts, but it was the "Opus 1" collaboration with Harry Winston that brought the brand to widespread recognition. At the first event in 2001, the brand unveiled the "Chronomètre Resonance," "Tourbillon Souverain," and "Octa Power Reserve," drawing worldwide attention to these unique and complicated timepieces.

　Since its founding, François-Paul Journe's watchmaking has consistently been independent and stubbornly adhered to its own style. This attitude is also evident in the logo "FPJOURNE Invenit et Fecit" inscribed on the dial and case back. This is Latin in the present third person singular active tense, meaning "FP Journe invented and created." For Journe, who said that while there are many innovations in modern mechanical watches that inherit tradition, there are very few inventions, "invention" itself was important. Is there any other watch that makes such a bold statement in a logo that usually simply uses a person's name or brand name?

　True to the word "invention," François-Paul Journe launched a series of models featuring unique dial layouts and unique movements designed to match, building the world of his timepiece. The Chronomètre Souverain, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, was released in 2005. The year before its release, Journe had stated his vision for his next watch, saying, "My next new model will be the simplest watch I've ever made, but it's not just a simple watch." True to his words, the dial features a simple two-hand design, a stark contrast to the distinctive dials with their off-center time display and dispersed displays. However, the power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock and the relatively large small seconds hand located between 7 and 8 o'clock deviate significantly from the traditional layout, creating a unique face that is anything but simple.

　The basic methodology of starting with the dial design and then considering the movement is firmly in place here as well. The hand-wound Caliber 1304, ticking away behind the striking dial, is a movement that fully demonstrates François-Paul Journe's inventive genius. Turning the watch over, the eye is first drawn to the lustrous rose gold of the plate and bridges, but the ingenuity of the design is also apparent in the symmetrical arrangement of the two barrels and large balance wheel, running from the 3 o'clock position of the crown toward the 9 o'clock position. Journe was inspired by the marine chronometers of the past to create the Caliber 1304, which is completely different from traditional hand-wound movements commonly available on the market. The parallel twin barrels were incorporated not to ensure a long power reserve, but to maintain the balance wheel oscillation by constantly supplying a stable power supply from fully wound to stopped, thereby achieving high precision. Hence the name "Chronomètre Souverain," or "supreme precision watch." In addition to the pursuit of technology, the watch was also intended to be a chronometer suitable for everyday use, designed to be worn on the wrist and to enjoy Journe's inventions and the highest level of precision.

　The model commemorating the 20th anniversary of its release still retains the original design and movement. For this watch that continues to live on as a timeless classic, 20 years may just be a milestone on the way to the future.