F.P. Journe

Francois-Paul Journe began his career as a clock restorer in France. Ultimately, the talented watchmaker created his own manufacture in 1999. His innovative approach to watchmaking and great sense of design inevitably made Francois-Paul Journe one of the most acclaimed independent watchmakers and the only one to win the celebrated Aiguille d’Or prize three times. In 2008, he won said third price with his innovative Centigraphe Souverain creation. The ingenious mechanism indicates elapsed time from one 100^th of a second to 10 minutes, visible on three dials, and in the process a patent was granted to protect his invention. 

The development of this mechanical wonder began when Francois-Paul Journe met Jean Todt, former executive director of Scuderia Ferrari, the Ferrari company's Formula One constructor through the ICM Foundation (Institute of medical research to help fight brain and spinal cord diseases). During the course of their meetings they discussed the ideal chronograph for the world of car racing. Journe said 'there was nothing serious enough in mechanical horology to time today’s racing cars to the 100th of a second.' After three years working on his idea he finally presented the Centigraphe Souverain, giving Jean Todt all the credit for the inspiration. 

The mechanical movement of the Centigraphe indicates elapsed times from a 100th of a second to 10 minutes, visible on 3 dials with red time scales. The present lot is offered in attractive condition and complete with warranty card and presentation case.