Centigraphe Souverain, Pink Gold

The Centigraphe Souverain grew out of a conversation between François-Paul Journe and Jean Todt, Ferrari's longtime Formula 1 chief, whom Journe met through ICM—the Paris brain and spinal cord institute. Over several dinners, the pair imagined what the ultimate contemporary mechanical chronograph for motorsport of today could be. While the Octa Chronographe existed, François-Paul knew a more technically audacious solution was required: 1/100th of a second. Unveiled in 2007, the 40mm manual chronograph was billed as the first wristwatch with a single hand-wound movement timing from 1/100th of a second to 10 minutes, and it won the Aiguille d'Or at the 2008 GPHG. The entire architecture of calibre 1506 is different to all other chronographs before or since. It is an absurdly ambitious feat.

The 284-component calibre 1506 which resulted is like no other chronograph made. It nods to John Harrison, but then deviates wildly. A central mainspring barrel here powers two independent gear trains, with a separately sourced power for the chronograph. The chronograph uses a column wheel and also brand new kind of clutch system that is more for regulation than power. When engaged, a the 1/100th hand in the upper left subdial rockets across discreet stops as a foudroyante. Where most chronographs display the levers and cams of the chronograph proudly on the caseback, the Centigraphe architecture demands sandwiching them between the mainspring and dial. With all this, usual FP Journe finishing techniques apply with circular Côte de Genève, black polished screw heads, hand engraving, and anglage.

The dial of this Centigraphe is solid white gold, largely dominated by the complication. The upper left subdial houses the impressive 1/100th hand, the upper right subdial revolves once every 20 seconds, while the subdial at 6 is graduated for 10 minute intervals. This layout demands no central chronograph hand, leaving the outer track to be traditional Journe numerals only. The 40mm case houses a very distinctive, patented rocker style pusher for engaging the complication. That places the crown at 4, which is a different case aesthetic than most chronographs. The aesthetic is heavily technical and purposeful, but also beautiful as a result. Despite all the complication and engineering here, the case is just 10mm thin.

The Centigraphe Souverain was produced from 2008 until 2018 and lives up to the latin written near 4. FP Journe truly invented and made—Invent et Fecit—the Centigraphe from idea to wristwatch. This chronograph has pushed the boundaries of what is possible, in an impressively wearable and beautiful package. There are few watches which have truly advanced the technology of mechanical chronographs, but the Centigraphe Souverain was absolutely one of them.

This Centigraphe Souverain presents in excellent overall condition. Its case bears only light signs of having been worn, commensurate with careful sparing use and its age. Its dial shows no faults. Its calibre 1506 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. It comes with its full original set except the strap, including box, warranty card, and original pin buckle.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.