F. P. Journe

François-Paul Journe is arguably one of the most important watch makers of the modern era, and his eponymous manufacture d'horlogerie, founded in 1999, has fueled the trend towards high caliber Independent watchmakers in watch collecting today. The manufacture's motto ‘Invenit et Fecit’, meaning invented and made, highlights how every component of every watch was invented and made in-house, a testament to Journe’s commitment to horological artisanship and innovation.

The Chronomètre Optimum is the culmination of a career in watchmaking that began on Rue de Verneuil in Paris in Journe’s uncle Michel’s watch restoration workshop. The Optimum is the ultimate chronometer and enjoys the status of the most accurate timepiece produced by the brand.

Its roots can be traced back to the 1980s when F. P. Journe first envisioned a timepiece that features "three hands, two mainsprings, and a remontoir d'égalité". Although the concept was revisited and refined in 2001, another 10 years would pass before the timepiece was finally introduced in 2012 to great fanfare by embarking on a world tour that began in Tokyo with stops in Hong Kong, Geneva, Paris, and New York before concluding its journey in Miami.

Taking inspiration from the masterpieces of Abraham-Louis Breguet and George Daniels Journe encountered in his early years as an employee of his uncle’s workshop, and his own Chronomètre Souverain and Tourbillon, the present watch was F.P. Journe's first attempt to incorporate dead-beat seconds to a constant-force remontoire. The twin barrel design operates simultaneously, and the remontoire at 11 o'clock ticking in one second intervals synchronizes with the dead-beat seconds displayed on the case back. Fully wound, the Optimum has approximately a 70-hour power reserve.

The fusion of an unexpected dial configuration with traditional design aesthetics gives a harmony to the Optimum that only F. J. Journe dials are capable of. The pink on pink dial and case design coupled with the pink gold hand-decorated movement showcased through the sapphire crystal display back, the Optimum was designed not only with aesthetics in mind, but also longevity, with the aim that a collector 200 years later would be able to enjoy its delicate movements, much like a collector today with a Napoleon era Breguet pocket watch, faithfully bearing witness to time. 

We are pleased to offer this present lot in exceptional condition complete with its box and original Certificate of Authenticity Card.