Chronomètre Souverain, Havana, Platinum

FP Journe introduced the Havana in 2017, twelve years after the Chronomètre Souverain won the men's watch prize at the 2005 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie. Made in platinum and pink gold, the Havana is defined by the dial’s warm tones. The colour is not paint or lacquer. Les Cadraniers de Genève, Journe's own dial house in Meyrin, accomplished it over months of trial and error by galvanically depositing a mixture of gold and ruthenium onto a solid precious-metal blank. 

The Chronomètre Souverain is amongst FP Journe's most restrained, distilled works. Introduced in 2005, it immediately won the Men's Watch category at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. In the years since, the Chronomètre Souverain has established its reputation as the purest form of what François-Paul holds dear as a watchmaker. Perhaps most telling, though, it was a Chronomètre Souverain that François-Paul chose to gift his mentor, George Daniels, as most exemplary of his work in 2010.

Calibre 1304 is hand-wound, 30.4mm across and 4mm thick, in solid 18k rose gold, running at 21,600 VPH with a free-sprung balance and four inertia weights. Its twin barrels sit in parallel, not in series, unwinding together: the point is linear torque across the full 56 hours, not a longer reserve. The power reserve indicator is the quiet achievement, a patented rack on ceramic ball bearings just 0.5mm thick. The going train sits on the dial side, which buys the movement its symmetry through the caseback and a sense of openness only rivalled in pocket watches. Put simply, this was one of the most over-engineered uncomplicated calibres from any manufacture in 2005 and still today. Calibre 1304 allows the Chronomètre Souverain case to wear remarkably planted and flat on wrist at just 8.0mm thin.

The time-only Chronomètre Souverain originally provided an approachable entry to the world of mechanical François-Paul Journe at debut. In the years following, it has become increasingly collected today as the ultimate in FP Journe simplicity. This is traditional, manually-wound watchmaking focused on chronometric performance, which allows for an ultra-flat wearing experience like no other Journe. It is understated, refined in the details, and perfectly proportioned: Journe's watchmaking, just distilled. The Havana dial simply takes all this seriousness and gives it a brilliant, warm, and tropical depth.

This Chronomètre Souverain presents in excellent overall condition. The dial is flawless, with no marks or signs or wear whatsoever. Its case bears only light surface wear, commensurate with occasional use. There is one scratch visible on the caseback between the lugs that should be noted and can be felt with a fingernail, visible on the caseback near the F on the Inv. Fecit. Its calibre 1304 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. It comes with its full set, original tan strap, and an additional dark blue strap.

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