Why This Watch Matters

The best blue dial in the business – F.P. Journe's Bleu is unmatched.

The Full Story

All F.P. Journe watches are special. It just so happens that the Chronomètre Bleu is more special than most.

Let's start with the dial. It's a unique mirrored shade of blue that reflects light and shimmers in an incredible iridescent fashion. The case is made of tantalum, an uncommon metal in watchmaking with a similar weight to platinum but comes in a dark grey color that complements the vibrant blue dial. The diameter of the case is 39mm (thickness is only 8.9mm!), in contrast to most Journe watches that are historically sized between 38mm and 40mm.

The movement is also incredibly special. The caliber 1304 is naturally designed and manufactured in-house by F.P. Journe in Geneva; it's made of solid 18k rose gold. Wound by hand, with two mainspring barrels set in series, for 56 hours of running autonomy, the caliber 1304 has an interesting architecture that is unlike anything else out there and quintessentially Journe.

Looking through the sapphire caseback you’ll find the barrels held up by a large bridge on the left side by the winding crown. A single wheel of the going train is visible and then there is a chasm separating the barrels from the balance cock. It appears as if the balance is floating off on its own on the other side of the gap, but actually the gear train is hidden between the mainplate and the dial, creating this illusion. In that gap between the two parts of the movement, the mainplate is decorated with elaborate barleycorn guilloche and some perlage as well. The bridges are all striped and have deep beveled edges with internal and external angles. The sinks for the 22 jewels and the slots for the mirror-polished screws are chamfered and add that little extra level of finishing that is hard to find.

The example we have here is exactly what we are looking for in a Chronomètre Bleu –complete with a full set of box and papers as well as a stunningly clean dial. Condition is excellent with light scratches on the case and buckle. The set is complete with the Journe "coffin" box, booklets, warranty card, cleaning cloth, blue alligator leather strap, and corresponding signed tantalum buckle. We paired the watch with our blue suede watch strap to give additional options as it is a darker blue, closer to the dial color, compared to the Journe alligator leather strap.

The Fine Print

Maker: F.P. Journe
Model: Chronomètre Bleu
Reference: N/A
Year: 2013
Case No: 432
Material: Tantalum
Dimensions: 39mm diameter; 8.9mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire
Lume: None
Caliber: F.P. Journe, manually-wound, caliber 1304
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Blue Suede Watch Strap and F.P. Journe light blue alligator leather watch strap with F.P. Journe tantalum buckle
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: Yes, the watch is accompanied by a full set of the outer box, inner "coffin" box, booklets, warranty card, cleaning cloth, blue alligator leather strap, and corresponding signed tantalum buckle. The warranty card bears the serial number of the watch and is filled out to show that the watch was originally retailed at Manfredi in Greenwich, CT.

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Deep blue dial
- 39mm diameter tantalum case
- Full set of box and papers

Things To Know:

- Light scratches on case and buckle

This F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu is in overall excellent condition. The case is strong with some light scratches throughout and is, in our view, unpolished yet worn. The edges are clean. There is some wear and patina on the tantalum case, particularly near the crown. The caseback has minor scratching on the edges while the sapphire exhibition portion is very clear.

The dial is in excellent condition. The hands have developed a very light patina yet present as stark white matching the dial markers and font.

The Journe alligator leather strap is in great condition with some wear but plenty of life left. The signed buckle has some light scratching. The dial, case, movement, strap, and clasp are all signed by F.P. Journe. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.

*NOTE: Please be aware that this watch comes with an authentic alligator leather strap. If the watch is shipped to any international destination, we will not be able to send the lizard strap with it due to laws regarding the sale and shipment of exotic leather goods.

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