Revered as one of the greatest watchmakers of the 21st century along with names like Philippe Dufour, Kari Voutilainen and Stephen Forsey, François-Paul Journe started designing his vision of contemporary watchmaking back in 1999. Very well known for the Latin words ‘Invenit et Fecit’ —meaning invented and made— inscribed in all of his timepieces, all of his watches are the result of rigorous craftsmanship and manufacture processes where the F.P. Journe himself is always completely involved. A graduate from the Watchmaking School of Paris, François-Paul Journe spent almost a decade restoring 19th century timepieces at his uncle’s atelier, seven years after graduating from school he built his very first tourbillon wristwatch and in 2001 he creates 18 unique pieces constituting Harry Winston’s Opus One collection.
The Linesport Chronographe Rattrapante was released in 2018 and this is the latest model in the lineSport —sportsline— collection. This amazing watch is available in platinum, 18K 6N gold —the one we have here— or in grade 5 Titanium. But what makes this watch so special? Well, not only the fact that this is an F.P. Journe in all the sense of the word, but this is also a‘rattrapante’ chronograph—split seconds.
Things to Know About the Watch
The F.P. Journe Linesport Chronographe Rattrapante is cased in a generous —but which doesn’t wear as big as its actual size— 44 mm case in 6N gold with a silver guilloché dial covered with ruthenium featuring an oversized date aperture, applied matte 6N gold Arabic numerals, silver chronograph counters and matte 5N gold hands. The case and bracelet are finished with a hammered finish to give them a matte appearance and the tachymetric scale bezel is inlaid with black ceramic and a typeface reminescent of last year’s Only Watch timepiece.
The guilloché dial with a ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern serves as the perfect backdrop for the silvered snailed chrono registers at 9 and 3 o’clock. Running seconds located at 9 and 30-minute chrono register at 3 o’clock. Meanwhile, the date is prominently displayed at 6 o’clock. Blued hands for the chrono registers along with a white and a matte gold seconds hand for the split seconds function complete the design and provide outstanding readability.
Rubber inserts are fixed on the case, crown and the bracelet links to protect the watch from scratches. The links attached to the case are also articulated to adapt to the different wrist sizes with an adjustable folding clasp in length of approximately 5 mm. The pushers are made in the same metal as the case and the pusher at 2 o’clock starts, stops and resets the chronograph, while the pusher at 4 o’clock activates the ‘rattrapante’ function.
The Movement
Powered by a totally new manual wound movement, the F.P. Journe calibre 1518 was fully conceived by F.P. Journe and entirely made at their manufacture. As it is customary with F.P. Journe, the movement mainplate and baseplate are made of 18K gold. Inspired by the F. P. Journe Chronograph made for the Only Watch auction, this new movement features a chronograph direct gearing with a rocking pinion avoiding the jump of the hand at the start. An important development was required to integrate the very large date in a total height of only 6.80 mm, signature of the F.P. Journe brand. The magnificent finishing and decorations of the movement visible through the display case back are a real treat for the eyes.
On the Wrist & Price
Despite its full gold case and bracelet, with its matte finish and the somewhat understated look of an F.P. Journe timepiece, this full gold watch is less flashy than any full gold AP or full gold Rolex. For the money, you’re not only get a superb timepiece with amazing design and craftsmanship, but also a very special watch designed by the legendary François-Paul Journe. Now, at this steep price point would you consider something else or just take the plunge and call it a day?
Sticker Price $82,200 USD. For more info on F.P. Journe click here.
