The Chronomètre Optimum* represents the culmination of Journe's efforts to produce a watch that has superior precision, and draws upon his experience with restoring 18th and 19th century marine chronometers and pocket watches. Taking elements from the Chronomètre Souverain and the Tourbillon, the watch bears Journe's quintessential aesthetics, in addition to his technical skill.

François-Paul Journe envisioned the Chronomètre Optimum in the 1980s, a design that included “three hands, two mainsprings and a remontoir d’égalité”. The original concept for the watch would be reworked in 2001, and it took another 10 years for the watch to be produced, in 2012.  

Journe drew upon elements of design from the Chronomètre Souverain and the Tourbillon for the design of the Chronometre Optimum. Like the Souverain, the Optimum utilises a double-barrel layout, operating in parallel. Borrowing from the Tourbillon, the Optimum uses the one-second remontoir d’egalité system. The latter is displayed within the small aperture on the dial side, and it provides constant force to the escapement, acting as a transmission and balancing system for the transfer of power between the mainspring and the escapement. The patented, EBHP direct-impulse  functions without any oil or any form of lubricant. Connected to this, a "natural" deadbeat seconds indication is displayed on the caseback. 

The combination of these systems offers a more stable delivery of energy to the movement. According to Journe himself, the Optimum is thus the ultimate chronometer, achieved by the maximum possible reduction of internal friction in the movement. The manual-winding calibre 1510 is made from 18k rose gold with Côtes de Genève, constructed with 44 jewels, oscillating at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The movement is beautifully finished and elaborately decorated, with contrasts established between the circular graining on the baseplate and Geneva stripes on the bridges. 

On the dial, the words “Invenit et Fecit” (Latin for “Invented and Made”) are inscribed above the two subsidiary dials, in classic F.P. Journe style - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. The power-reserve indicator is located at 6 o’clock. Sized at a contemporary 40mm, this Chronomètre Optimum features a rounded bezel, thin lugs, and a ‘flat crown’ with a rope-like pattern, made slightly larger for the Optimum. The case is polished to a mirror finish, while the dial is textured, displaying a separate silvered guilloché dial for the hours and minutes, along with a running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. 

Closer look

Condition

This F. P. Journe Chronomètre Optimum is in very good condition throughout. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, likely worn on only a handful of occasions if at all. The dial and hands are free from any signs of imperfection. The hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.