F. P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu, Tantalum

The polished-dial is an uncommon feature, displaying various shades of blue which  compliment the grey-blue colour of tantalum. Together, these blue overtones give the watch its name. The signature Journe-style hands are off-white and contrast with the polished dial, to improve legibility. The outer-track holds embossed decorative Arabic numerals (also off-white in colour), which vary in size dependent on their location on the dial. Between 7 and 8 o’clock is a subsidiary seconds, as seen in the Chronomètre Souverain, though the Chronomètre Bleu goes without a power-reserve indication. Overall, the dial layout is cleanly designed and excellently legible.

The movement is certainly independent haute horlogerie at its finest. The in-house Calibre 1304 is made entirely of 18-carat rose-gold, and seen through the sapphire caseback. The movement has two mainspring barrels in parallel, which work together, powering the movement. Most impressively, is the chronometric balance fitted into the movement, which helps to provide the accuracy that F.P. Journe has based his watchmaking around. The hand finishing is expertly conducted, mixing a combination of circular graining with sunburst and wave patterns. All screw heads are polished and all edges neatly chamfered with a Côte de Genève motif on the bridges.

It comes with its original F.P Journe dark blue alligator strap, corresponding tantalum tang buckle, and is currently fitted on a custom-made Hermès strap, made entirely by hand, out of grained tan calfskin leather, and with curved ends hugging the tantalum case. This Chronomètre Bleu is a full-set, with its accompanying box, guarantee card and paperwork.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	F. P. Journe
Model:	Chronomètre Bleu
Movement:	mechanical manual-winding Cal.1304
Functions:	time-only: hours, minutes, subsidiary-seconds
Features:	polished blue dial, display-back
Case:	39 mm tantalum
Crystal:	sapphire front and back
Strap:	F.P Journe dark blue alligator strap, tantalum tang buckle, and custom-made Hermès strap
Lug/buckle width:	20/19mm
Year:	2016
Box & papers:	full set - box, USB, stamped warranty card, manual

This tantalum F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu was purchased in February, 2016, and retains perfect mechanical functionality. The case is in very good, unpolished condition, with a small number of signs of superficial wear, consistent with light wear. The watch is full-set and comes on a dark-blue alligator strap from F. P. Journe with corresponding tantalum tang buckle.