Let's get straight to the point, as there are several important things to know about this watch.
This is a new, unprecedented watch, despite being a commemorative and limited edition. It is also F.P. Journe's first manual-wind chronograph (without a split-seconds function). Its release is timed to the 20th anniversary of the brand's first boutique, the Tokyo salon. These watches will be the brand's last limited series. And no, this combination of a classical case with a manual-wind chronograph movement is not intended for subsequent reproduction in the classic collection… Here’s what we know about the new F.P. Journe Chronograph FB.
The new (and quite stunning) Journe Chronograph FB is released as part of the collection first introduced in 2005 at the Japanese boutique. Named the Tokyo Boutique Anniversaire Series, it started with the limited Chronomètre Souverain in 20 pieces, followed by the Chronomètre à Résonance in 2006 (12 pieces), Tourbillon Souverain in 2007 (20 pieces), and Octa Perpétuelle in 2009 (99 pieces). In 2016, the brand released the Centigraphe Souverain to honor the 10th anniversary of each of its boutiques (a total of 80 pieces), with each piece numbered and engraved with the name of the corresponding city. All these watches feature a polished titanium case, gold crown and pushers, a burgundy strap, and a ruthenium-colored dial.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of its Tokyo boutique, F.P. Journe has released the sixth watch in the Boutique Anniversaire series - the new Chronograph FB. And, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, this is not just a new color or new material applied to an existing watch. It's an entirely new model that will not be reproduced.
This is F.P. Journe’s first manual-wind chronograph without a split-seconds function. Previously, there were the Octa chronograph, but with an automatic movement, the Centigraphe Souverain, and the LineSport Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante, which is still in production. But never before has there been a traditional manual-wind chronograph in a classic round case. Given the importance of such watches to high-end watchmakers, this is big news.
This Chronograph FB, like all previous models of the commemorative collection, is housed in a polished titanium case of the 5th grade, executed in the classic design of the Souverain or Octa collection. It has a pleasing diameter of 40 mm and a rather thin profile of 10.40 mm, including two sapphire crystals. As expected, the crown and pushers are made of 18k 6N gold. The alligator leather strap is in the brand’s signature burgundy color and is secured with a gold folding clasp.
The dial of the new Journe Chronograph FB is as classic for the brand as it is for this commemorative collection. Made from solid silver, with a Clou de Paris guilloché center, it has a ruthenium hue and original orange Arabic numerals. An applied and screwed steel element frames the partially open sub-counters (running seconds and 60-minute), and at the “6 o’clock” position, there is a large date. The dial is bordered by a white ring with chapter markers and a tachymetric scale, but look closely, and you’ll see something original. It indicates the speed over a 1000 m distance with the chronograph’s second hand, which completes one full rotation in 2 minutes, with the scale graduated from 300 to 30 (instead of the classic 60 and rotating once per minute).
In classic FP Journe style, the movement is crafted from pure pink gold and is beautifully finished. Caliber 1518.2 shares the overall architecture with the manual-wind and split-seconds chronograph movement found in the LineSport Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante. However, this is a lighter version with a flyback function. It retains its column wheel and oscillating pinion architecture, as well as a frequency of 3 Hz and a solid power reserve of 80 hours.
Crucially, this beautiful and classic manual-wind movement was made specifically for this commemorative edition. We have been assured that the watch you see here will not be reproduced in the standard collection. Do not expect a Chronograph FB Bleu or Chronograph FB Souverain to appear sooner or later. It will not happen. This commemorative Tokyo model is your only chance to obtain a manual-wind chronograph from Journe, outside of the LineSport collection.
Equally important is that this limited and numbered series of 200 pieces is the last to be released by Journe. There will be no future watches with engraved limited numbers on the case back, nor watches released in fixed limited batches. These watches conclude the Boutique Anniversaire series and all other limited series.
The F.P. Journe Chronograph FB will be available at the brand’s official salons for 90,000 Swiss francs (excluding taxes). More information can be found at www.fpjourne.com.