just wondering and trying to understand, Why FPJ see 18k gold as choice for movement material / base plate? 

Isn’t ‘gold’ soft than steel or brass or other alloys ?

Is there any other manufacturer who use 'gold' movement ?

Best,

mahesh.,

I think there are several elements which could explain why FP Journe uses gold for his calibers such as history, exclusivity, beauty, more practical to work than steel for example, the "power of gold" in our mind...

He is not alone to do that. I know that Julien Coudray makes true gold calibers which is not really the case of FP Journe.

Best wishes

Alkiro

I enjoy the wealth of knowledge in this place !

I hope experts will give us deeper explanations.

Best wishes

Alkiro

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Best wishes

Alkiro

A gold movement is indeed much more precious, to our eyes

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normally gold is not a structural material considering its softness.

UTS of gold is lower than steel or brass.

Best wishes

Alkiro

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People are being a little naive to say "oh, gold is soft" when this is 24k gold only.
In fact, 316l steel has a vickers hardness of 140-150, while the 18k rose gold alloy likely used by FPJ is 180 vickers hardness. Yes, you can make an even more reliable movement out of an alloy of gold than out of some kinds of steel.
So, to say again, 18k gold and particularly alloys of rose gold are not the same as 24k gold. It is a huge mistake!

I work on tranmissions for automobiles. Yes harder materials are associated with wear resistance. However, even transmissions do not use hardened steel for bushings and washers. Bushings and washers should have softer material with sufficient load carrying capacity. The reason for this is a longer discussion but it has to do with the contact of materials on the microscopic scale. I think the analogy applies to watches as well. Also, I think it is interesting that the type of gold FPJ uses has copper added. Copper is considered the premium material for bushing materials as well. Plus the gold looks fabulous and it will stay looking that way due to its oxidation resistance.

I'd actually love to hear more if you're up for a bit of thst discussion.

At a microscopic level materials have sharp points called asperities. These can be described as sharp points. Softer materials like bronze will naturally wear away these sharp points until the material naturally has sufficient load carrying capacity. With the addition of a little oil, the steel components ride on the oil between the two surfaces.
It is easy to get carried away with too much of something. You don't need more strength in materials than is what is required to carry the stress. You don't need more stiffness than what is required to keep the structure behaving as needed. It is all about balance. FPJ does this expertly, I think. I hope to own one someday.
Thanks for the nudge.
Dan

I have read these statements:
- In 2014, Journe released a version of Chronometre Souverain with a gold dial, again in efforts of living his dream of making a full gold watch.
- "I make my watches as if there was no other way to tell time".
-François-Paul Journe
His personal choices.
Regards,
Patrickh

that is the whole point of independent offers.

Thank you !

in an interview which can be seen on you tube, he states that he uses gold in his movements to give his watches more value and to justify the prices he charges. Afterall, people always value gold more than most other metals.

Sham

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Vacheron Constantain used Gold for most of the movement of Historique Ultra-Fine 1955.

Yes Cal 1003 is of Gold too !!
the VC Historique Ultra-Fine 1955 is an ultimate dress watch @ 36 mm no-date, pretty clean dial...

Learned a lot thru your post

this forum is a perfect blend of knowledge & passion...