FP Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante

Splitting seconds is even more fun when it the watch appears to be a humble chronograph. FP Journe introduced the Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante in 2018, building off an experimental Split Seconds project for Only Watch which hammered at 1.15M CHF. FP Journe refined that calibre and included it in the catalogue a year later. The resulting sports watch maintained the attitude of a thoroughbred prototype; this is an unapologetically heavy, opulent, and refined integrated bracelet Rattrapante.

The calibre 1518 is so named because work began in 2015 and it is 18 French ligne across (over 40mm). Yet, as Journe hates thickness, the calibre is just 6.8mm thin despite requiring 285 components. The 1518 uses twin column wheels with a traditional rattrapante pincer, though operation is unusual. The upper pusher starts, stops, and resets the chronograph, hence ‘Monopoussoir’. The lower pusher splits and re-syncs. Instead of a vertical clutch, Journe chose an oscillating pinion horizontal clutch for aesthetic considerations. The swivel pin was an invention Journe made during his time at THA which allows a perfectly precise chronograph start and stop.

The dial is ruthenium covered silver guilloché with many thoughtful touches. The outer track, numerals, and red gold hands are all frosted to echo case finishing. Its case measures a formidable 44mm across, yet just 12mm thin. The red gold here features a frosted matte finish, where a randomized machine hammering process leaves this granular texture, protected by vulcanized rubber elements. 

The Monopoussoir Rattrapante aims to make high complication usable in daily life rather than limiting it to an object to occasionally be enjoyed with great care. In this aim, FP Journe have lost none of the daring, imposing, and experimental quality of the initial Only Watch project which received such acclaim. The Chronographe Monopoussoir is a new type of Rattrapante which shatters the notion that an ultimate wristwatch need be discreet or understated. This is high-level watchmaking with no punches pulled, no corners cut, and no apologies made: a serious watch with serious presence.

This example looks great. There is minimal wear pictured, just a bit. The watch was produced in 2022. It comes with the full kit from a well-regarded London retailer.