Collection
ChristianDK's enduring affection for his F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain, a watch he's owned for nearly 15 years, offers a compelling perspective on long-term ownership and brand entry points. His personal experience highlights the profound connection collectors can develop with a timepiece, transcending market trends and initial allure. This discussion explores why the CS remains a significant and accessible reference within the F.P. Journe catalog.
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.
The very samw to you 🤗
I'm always happy to see a good color combination - even if it's alligator/crocodile strap, but I'm even more happy to see these kinds of non alligator/crocodile straps that look so good! I'm trying to reduce my alligator/crocodile strap consumption because these prehistoric animals don't die quickly and suffer a lot of pain in the slaughtering process.
I dont know anything about the alligator suffering. I sincerely hope it’s not always the case. Animal cruelty is terrible no matter what species. For me, I often prefer the look of calf straps. I don’t know when alligator straps became the default of the watch industry but it has clearly not always been the case- even for exclusive watches. Check out original Patek adverts from the 40ties, 50ties, 60ties. You will see many wonderful designs that are not alligator. Now they have become default. I
The slaughtering process of alligators and crocodiles is basically a metal rod that's shoved down their backs between the eyes. This scrambles their spinal cord. And then the animals can't fight back and also don't damage their skins - the most valuable part of the animal. Unfortunately, this process, combined with the fact that these prehistoric animals can live with minimal oxygen (and minimal blood - they can slow their heartbeat) and even with limbs bitten off, means that the animal survives
But for me it was still a simple watch, and a perfect entry point. What’s more, today and in today’s market the CS is even more the best entry point. For several reasons not least that one can get one for not much more than retail without waiting and waiting and having to be vetted by the brand. Today, to ensure I met the Friday standard, I took both of these out. Titanium sports watches, two different ways. The Journe is of course more complicated and it also more rare.
63 F.P. Journe listings are live on the eBay market and 270 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.
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