Emmanuel, known as 'quattro' on WatchProSite, delivers an exceptional deep dive into F.P. Journe's highly sought-after 38mm Steel Sets. This article explores the historical significance and unique configurations of these 38 exclusive collector's sets, which commemorate the end of the brand's iconic 38mm case production. Emmanuel's meticulous presentation offers invaluable insights for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts seeking to understand a pivotal moment in F.P. Journe's legacy.
In
2015, wishing to
celebrate the end of the historic 38 mm case after 25 years of existence,
F.P. Journe created
38 exclusive collector’s sets containing
5 emblematic and
historic watches, each one coming with:
- a gold dial with bronze patina and silver guilloché,
- an 18K rose gold movement
- housed in a 38 mm steel case.
The 5 watches included in these sets named "The Historical Size" and sometimes referred to as the "Coffret Sets" are:
- The Tourbillon Souverain, made from 1999 to 2003, and which had never been made with a Gold movement.
- The Chronomètre à Résonance in its original configuration, (made from 2000 to 2009) with 2 symmetrical analog display dials.
- The Octa Automatique (made from 2002 to 2014), which was the first automatic watch made by F.P. Journe.
- The Octa Calendrier Annuel (made from 2003 to 2014), which is considered as the company’s automatic bestseller since its creation.
- The Chronomètre Souverain (made since 2005), which was included in the set due to its aesthetic purity and its magnificent mechanism ("pure minimalism" says the F.P. Journe press release).
As it's my first post on the F.P. Journe forum, I tried to find something special...
Enjoy!
A/ THE COMPLETE SET
credit: hodinkee
B/ THE FIVE WATCHES ONE BY ONE
1/ Réf. T - Tourbillon Souverain 1498
Case: 38 x 9.9 mm.
credit: hodinkee (1-3) & phillips
2/ Réf. RN - Chronomètre à Résonance - 1499.2
Case: 38 x 9.1 mm
credit: hodinkee (1-3) & phillips
3/ Réf. A - Octa Automatique 1300.3
Case: 38 x 10.2 mm
credit: hodinkee (1) & phillips
4/ Réf. Q - Octa Calendrier 1300.3
Case: 38 x 10.6 mm
credit: hodinkee (1-2) & phillips
5/ Réf. CS - Chronomètre Souverain 1304
Case: 38 x 8.6 mm
credit: hodinkee (1-2) & phillips
C/ PRESS RELEASE PRESENTATION
About the F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Ref. resonance
The Chronomètre à Résonance represents F.P. Journe's entry in the Souveraine collection, distinguished by its resonance complication. This reference utilizes the principle of resonance between two independent escapements to enhance chronometric precision.
The 40mm case is crafted in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The silver dial houses the manual-winding caliber 1499 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on haute horlogerie complications and independent watchmaking. The resonance mechanism positions this piece as a technical showcase within F.P. Journe's manual-winding offerings. Production began in 2000, establishing this as part of the brand's contemporary catalog for collectors seeking advanced chronometric functions.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 1499
- Case
- 18k Rose Gold
- Diameter
- 40 mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Ref. chronometre
The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain represents the foundational timepiece within the brand's Souveraine collection. This reference demonstrates the manufacture's approach to precision timekeeping through manual winding mechanics, positioned as a core offering in F.P. Journe's lineup.
The 40mm case is executed in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel configuration. A sapphire crystal protects the silver dial, while the manual-winding caliber 1304 movement provides an 80-hour power reserve. The timepiece features 30-meter water resistance and is paired with a leather strap. Production commenced in 2000.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking F.P. Journe's mechanical execution in a fundamental three-hand configuration. The substantial power reserve and manual winding caliber position this model for enthusiasts who appreciate traditional watchmaking approaches within the Souveraine series framework.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 1304
- Case
- 18k Rose Gold
- Diameter
- 40 mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
