F.P. Journe - Of the A.L. Breguet inspired double wheel escapements from Kari V, Laurent F, and FPJ,

Of the A.L. Breguet inspired double wheel escapements from Kari V, Laurent F, and FPJ,

Mar 16, 2021,19:45 PM

The FPJ is the most advanced.
Breguet's design was beyond the technology of his day. Modern machine tolerances and materials allow watchmakers to work with the main issue of Breguet's double wheel escapement which has to do with backlash of the gears.
FPJ minimizes this better than the others via a very low torque mainspring combined with a constant force mechanism, so there is a very steady and gentle energy so the movement's gearing tolerances can be precisely made to match this, avoiding problems of too much or too little play in the gears.

The only way to better this would be to do as George Daniels did, solving the issue entirely by giving each wheel its own geartrain (which adds to the size and complexity of the movement) and gives a truly excellent direct impulse double wheel chronometer escapement.

A few words about the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Optimum

By: foversta : March 16th, 2021-13:53

I wished to come back to the Chronomètre Optimum by François-Paul Journe. As we have been able to observe for many months, there is a growing interest around the brand founded by the French watchmaker. This is reflected in the strong performance at auctio...

Fabulous write-up highlighting all the things I love about the Optimum! Thanks so much for sharing. Best, Tom

By: ttarin : March 16th, 2021-14:14

Thank you for the write up, I learned something today

By: aperna : March 16th, 2021-14:24

Thank you as always FX, a great summary.

By: Jay (Eire) : March 16th, 2021-16:55

The Optimum has always been “FP’s watch”, while the other two have been maybe the iconic Journe watches. In the last year or two I’ve definitely seen much more interest in the Optimum, it’s getting the recognition one might argue it should always have had...

Of the A.L. Breguet inspired double wheel escapements from Kari V, Laurent F, and FPJ,

By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : March 16th, 2021-19:45

Strongly agree

By: blau : March 16th, 2021-19:59

This might just be the peak time-only watch from my p.o.v.

I couldn’t agree more... with everything. Excellent write up. Merci

By: emcquillan : March 16th, 2021-23:43

As Jay mentioned

By: xiu laba : March 17th, 2021-03:17

This is what FP Journe made according to what he feels is important in a watch. The essence of horology by Mr. Journe, and a beautiful one at that!

Great review. Love my CO.

By: cmmnsens : March 17th, 2021-06:52

Great review as usual FX. I agree with you about the Optimum and will repeat what I have already said multiple times. The Optimum is one of my favorites, if not my favorite among the current models offered. It will most likely be my next FPJ piece...

By: holdemchamp1225 : March 17th, 2021-07:52

and if I am lucky enough, I will try and order a Black Label or with a Jade dial. I was thinking about this very piece in this configuration back in 2018 when I visited the boutique but did not pull the trigger. A slight regret that needs to be rectified ...

Nice review FX

By: Mr.Gatsby : April 18th, 2021-08:21

I share your sentiments... this piece is a bit of a sleeper hence I bought it. It's the only Journe I own, and my very first. I almost went ahead with the centigraphe before the crazy price hikes. No regrets that I missed it, as there are too many wonderf...