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F.P.Journe Only Watch: A Unique Split-Seconds Monopusher Chronograph

For its second participation at Only Watch, F. P. Journe probably exclusively indulged in the luxury of developing an entire watch (including case and movement) dedicated to the philanthropic initiative.

By Audrey Humbert
Contributor

Since its first participation in 2015, the blue dial and tantalum case became known as the defining features of the new collection of unique pieces for Only Watch. For everything else however, François-Paul Journe was generous and let loose his passion for watchmaking and creativity to offer the best of his art for the benefit of children suffering from muscular dystrophies.

Micromechanical genius at the service of generosity

The new piece is a split-seconds monopusher chronograph - the chronograph functions can be activated thanks to the pusher at 2 o'clock while the pusher at 4 o'clock activates the split-second hand. The complication in question is quite tricky to produce as it is a challenge to superimpose four central hands while taking care to avoid any hindrance to the movement's functions running.

As usual, the master watchmaker of the 'invenit et fecit' motto took the trouble to make sure his movement was reliable. Indeed, he came up with a well-conceived construction of the split-seconds chronograph by correcting an often-seen defect in this type of chronograph that results in a decrease of the power reserve and accuracy in split time measurement after a quite short time.

The results are nothing short of impressive - a monopusher split-seconds chronograph with an 80-hour power reserve that can measure split time efficiently after 48 hours of running. The whole is integrated in an 18K pink gold 15’’’ caliber – the size was specially chosen to be housed in a round-shaped 44-mm case and designed to display these functions and thus gives a nice balance to the whole assembly.


The watch's aesthetics is reinforced by its contrasting colors. The inscriptions and scales of the display contrast nicely with the dial's deep blue to provide excellent readability.

The orange strap reinforces the contrast on the dial and the case thanks to the light reflecting the different shades of blue ranging from the darkest to the most electric.

Guaranteed unique piece by the destruction of prototypes

It should be noted that, as François-Paul Journe himself put it, the brass prototypes of the model will be destroyed to make sure that there is in fact only one existing piece of the watch. The watchmaker thus introduces an exclusive and perfectly designed piece that will appeal to all watch enthusiasts with its aesthetics. Since it is in line with watchmaking traditions, its mechanical achievement will also delight purists.



Our only advice is to enjoy the Only Watch exhibitions so that you may admire the outstanding piece before it is dispatched to a private collection.

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