Watches

A Chronomètre Bleu, François-Paul’s most distilled and restrained offering. The Chronomètre Bleu features a 39mm mirror-finished tantalum case, blue dial crafted from multiple layers of hand-polished lacquer, and a beautifully-finished manual calibre 1304 with dual mainspring barrels. To date, it remains one of the most sought-after time only wristwatches ever made. The Chronomètre Bleu proves that a restrained offering needn’t sacrifice on craftsmanship or soul, one of very few independent watchmaker’s efforts which can truly be said to have become a modern classic. Worth Reading: Introduced in 2009, the Chronomètre Bleu stands quite apart from the rest of FP Journe’s range. Its tantalum case does not conform to standards in the usual FP Journe size or material, 39mm instead of 38 or 40mm and dark-grey tantalum instead of precious metal. This distinct apartness has seen the Chronomètre Bleu propelled to massive adoration in the wake of FP Journe’s rise to prominence, a minimal, distilled example of Francois-Paul’s watchmaking. The simpler offering was a reaction to the 2008 financial crisis, where Journe required a more approachable model to keep sales ticking over. But it’s still a Journe. Put simply, this was at its time one of the most over-engineered dress watches form any manufacture. Its cal 1304 is based on dual mainspring barrels for even torque and is hewn entirely of pink gold with a main plate in grain d’orge guilloché. The gear train that links the balance to the mainspring barrels runs hidden under the dial, as opposed to the conventional path, purely for drama. Tantalum was previously foreign to FP Journe, a notoriously difficult material to machine and finish. However, the result is a metal considerably more resistant to wear and corrosion. Journe opted for the seriously challenging polished finish. But the Chronomètre Bleu is made by its dial, multiple layers of hand-polished blue lacquer with an immense failure rate. It can range from black to chrome blue, with numerals reflecting down the layers. It breaks from austerity with a petite seconds at 7:30, where the numerals nearest gracefully shrink down to provide visual balance, not cut off. The Chronomètre Bleu has become renowned as the purest Journe. In 2019, when most waitlists were around 8 years long, Journe decided to cease availability of the Chronomètre Bleu, closing orders. In the darker times for François-Paul’s brand, he was able to rely on his own intellect, training, and skills alone to create desirable offerings, nothing more. The Chronomètre Bleu proves that a restrained offering needn’t sacrifice on craftsmanship or soul. It is one of very few independent watchmaker’s efforts which can truly be said to have become a modern classic. Condition: This Chronomètre Bleu presents in good overall condition. The case is sharp and unpolished, with a moderate degree of surface wear consistent with frequent wear. The case bears no significant bashes or dents, but has light scratches on many surfaces. Its dial is very well preserved, no visible damage. The top crystal has a small scratch on it above the J of Journe. It comes on the pictured black FPJ strap with blue stitching and its original buckle. The calibre 1304 is running well in spec on our timing equipment. The watch itself has its full set included. Specifications: This watch is modelled on a relatively large 7.7 inch wrist. Brand: FP Journe Model: Chronomètre Bleu Reference: CB Size: 39 Year: c. 2014 Case Material: Tantalum Movement: Manual Calibre 1304 Scope: Full Set