By Carl Scutt
Following on from F.P. Journe’s’ 1.15 Million CHF Monopusher Split-Seconds Chronograph, three new Rattrapante Monopoussoir Chronograph’s are to be released. Already famous for creating the most expensive independently constructed wristwatch on the planet, Journe is now set to release a new collection consisting of the Rattrapante Monopoussoir Platinum, 18 ct Red Gold, and grade 5 Titanium.
The 1.15 Million CHF Monopusher Split-Seconds Chronograph1
The Collection
The Platinum model which is notable in that no images seem to be available yet, is described as having a blue/purple guilloche dial with Applique numbers in matt gray/gold, and 2 silver chronograph counters. Until we see it with our own eyes, it’s going to be a subject of intense discussion.
Rose Gold Version
The 18 ct Red Gold model sports a guilloche silver/gray dial detailed in Ruthenium with matt red gold Applique numerals, 2 silver chronograph counters, featuring red matt gold hands.
Titanium Version
The Titanium version sports a slate aluminum alloy dial featuring Superluminova numerals, two sapphire engraved chronograph counters and Superluminova hands.
All three complications are housed in a 44mm diameter case and set above the crown the start, stop, reset pusher sits, while below the crown sits the split-seconds function just as we saw on Journe’s ‘Only Watch’ contribution. A really nice touch is the construction of the chronograph that features direct gearing preventing the often exaggerated jump of the hand when actuating the Chrono mechanism. You can also note that the platinum and gold Caliber 1815 models feature bridges of solid gold, while the titanium version is made of lightweight aluminum.
Amazingly, this new movement with a Chronograph developed for ‘Only Watch’ and fitted with a chronograph clutch and tilting pinion to prevent unnecessary jerky movement still manages to maintain the F.P. Journe signature of a thin case of only 6.80 mm. To finish off, this beauty is fitted with a rear viewing window so we can admire the intricate engineering.
With all this we can still sit back and luxuriate in the knowledge this Caliber 1518 is an all-new, in-house designed and built, manually wound movement, constructed wholly by master watchmakers, and by its very nature means the watchmaking skills and craftsmanship that went in to making these pieces is single-handedly promoting the continued use of old-school watchmaking.
The Technical Stuff
Diameter: 44mm
Thickness: 12.1mm
Case Material: Red gold, platinum, or titanium
Dial Color: Platinum model: Silver guilloché blue-mauve color, rhodium-plated Gold applique´ numerals, two silver chronograph counters and rhodium-plated hands. 18k red gold model: Silver guilloché covered with ruthenium, matte red gold applique´ numerals, two silver chronograph counters and 5N gold hands. Titanium model: Aluminum anthracite color, applique´ numerals with Super-LumiNova, two transparent sapphire engraved chronograph counters, hands with Super-LumiNova.
Indexes: Arabic numerals
Lume: Yes on the titanium model
Strap/Bracelet: Bracelet in the same metal as the case
Caliber: In-House Caliber 1518
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, split-seconds chronograph with 30-minute totalizer, big date
Diameter: 33.6mm
Thickness: 6.8mm
Power Reserve: More than 80 hours without chronograph running
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)
Jewels: 29
Final Word
Clearly, we can see these pieces are a cut above the norm and almost certainly going to be sort after. Although not available at the time of writing, we are told they are coming soon and we do have the price points;
CHF 58,000 (titanium)
CHF 78,000 (red gold)
CHF 106,000 (platinum)
As a parting word, it’s interesting to note, Journe has stated these watch movements will never be recreated, so only available for ‘Only Watch’. These movements are in fact a new reference with modified movements that are more complicated than the 1.15 Million CHF Monopusher Split-Seconds Chronograph, so that alone makes them a collector’s piece. fpjourne.com
