F.P. Journe Chronométre Souverain Boutique Edition, 2019

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

No one will fault you for wearing a Rolex around here. But if you want something truly special — something from a small batch made by hand each year — you’re going to have to look elsewhere. You’re going to have to look at F.P. Journe. Journe is one of the world’s foremost living watchmakers, having begun his studies at the age of 15. He received his watchmaking diploma at the École d'Horlogerie in Paris at the age of 19. His namesake timepieces are complicated works of horological art, the result of in-house ideation, design, and construction. In short: Journe is a master craftsman of the highest order, and his creations are some of the most desirable timepieces on Earth. This particular creation is a Chronomètre Souverain Boutique Edition dating from 2019. A spectacularly finished piece, its original design, boutique-only colorway, and eye-catching looks are sure to result in love at first sight. Housed in a 40mm 18K rose gold case with a smooth bezel and Journe's trademark stylized winding crown, the watch features a black guilloché dial with Clous de Paris patterning, a stylized handset, applied Arabic indices, a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock, and a running seconds display fitted between 7 and 8 o’clock. When paired to its signed, black alligator leather strap with 18K rose gold pin buckle, the mix of browns, golds, and black tones is one of unquestionably sophisticated elegance. Powering the Chronomètre Souverain Boutique Edition is an equally impressive movement, Journe's Calibre 1304, crafted in 18k rose gold with dual mainspring barrels. Equipped with a highly accurate chronometric balance, it features hand-finished Côte de Genève and sunburst patterning; hand-polished screw heads; and chamfered edges throughout. Viewable through its sapphire display back, it elevates an already stunning watch to a piece of horological art. If you’re truly in search of an extraordinary timepiece , you owe it to yourself to check out F.P. Journe.