With so many pieces to talk about announced ahead of this year’s November 11th Only Watch auction, choosing which would be our Watch of the Week wasn’t easy. Do we go for something ultra-cool but uninspired? Something cutting edge but divisive? In the end we went for one of the few lots that are actually, entirely and wonderfully unique – the F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante.
Where most Only Watches are just reskinned in this year’s yellow and black thematic livery, F.P.Journe has gone above and beyond, creating a new watch from scratch. Well, as much from scratch as any watchmaker can do – both case and dial have never before been produced, or will be.
Possibly one of the most beautiful split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs we’ve ever seen, the shimmering blue dial is highlighted with concentric rings of white, yellow and red indexes, retaining a classical demeanour despite the primary school colours.
Just as elegant are the subtle pushers for the two parts of the chronograph. Top is for the primary stopwatch, bottom for the split-seconds timer which stand out nice and boxily from the otherwise smooth circle of the 44mm tantalum case.
The movement itself might not be new, but it’s nonetheless impressive, both technically and because the large part of it is in rose gold. Looking through the exhibition case back is breathtaking. It also happens to have a long autonomy of 80 hours which means you can still use the chronograph after the standard two days most watchmakers stop at.
Put simply, we love this watch, which makes it all the more painful that it is unique, one of one, the Only Watch. Still, if we can get together the €183,000 – €365,000 estimate, we might well be in with a chance…
Connoisseur’s Corner
- F. P. Journe’s entry into the Only Watch charity auction
- A unique tantalum case and blue chrome dial that will never be produced again
- Split-seconds or Rattrapante Chronograph movement with an 80-hour power reserve
- Slated for auction November 11th in Monaco with a €183,000 – €365,000 estimate
More information at: www.fpjourne.com
