By Jovan Krstevski
The upcoming Only Watch 2017 is full of excitement for all of us horology fans. Now if you remember the Only Watch 2015 when F.P. Journe offered the Tourbillon Souverain Bleu in tantalum, it did not make a very striking pose to the buyers although it was a very stunning watch. The main reason then was that the Tourbillon Souverain Bleu was not entirely new but only a visual update to the existing model. Well, if you ask me the folks attending the said event would certainly come armed with information and they know what they are looking for, this is why I’m excited when following such events. Still, the watch netted CHF 550,000 which was very impressive for the brand. And now, François-Paul Journe is back for Only Watch 2017 with a real novel timepiece, the F.P. Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante which is also his first ever split-seconds chronograph.
On the visible aesthetics, the F.P. Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante features the brand’s signature tantalum case and a blue chrome dial, this is a classic look by the way. The 44 mm case is large and by far the largest that Journe ever made. It comes in a unique style and size, polished to perfection with sapphire crystal on the front and back. The finishing is very nice and I like the enticing metallic color. Its lugs are smooth from end to end and the pushers are uniquely slim although the crown seems to be a lot thinner with the signature rope-like texture. There’s nothing to complain here as the overall look is purely classic.
Going with the large case is a traditional twin-subdial display. The small seconds is presented at the 9 o’clock while the 30-minute counter is shown at the 3 o’clock. The tachymeter and telemeter scales on the periphery has vintage ramifications and this is probably the reason why Journe used the vivid colors of yellow and red accents that is also perfectly mated with the orange strap. I know that this combination may not appeal to everyone but the person behind the design is a legend and over time his works seems to have unique identities of their own. Personally, the colors have classical urgency which is absolutely unique and striking.
As for the movement, we are looking at a highly classical architecture. There is no doubt with Journe’s creations and this watch is a testament to his mastery of the tech used in the watch. The manual winding F.P. Journe calibre 1517 sports Monopusher split seconds and twin column-wheels. There are plenty of goodies to enjoy here such as plates and bridges made in 18K rose Gold. As for the performance of the movement which is new by the way, it offers 80 hours of power reserve which is very impressive considering its complication.
The F.P. Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante is truly unique (case, dial and movement). As of now the price is estimated in the range of CHF 200,000 and CHF 400,000 perhaps making it the highest priced Journe watch.
