Geneva, Switzerland – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
The minute repeater is, after the Grande Sonnerie, the most complex and sophisticated of horological complication in the Souveraine collection, one that demands the very utmost in both technical and artistic virtuosity.
An entirely original construction was necessary to produce this minute repeater mechanism in a way to enable strong crystal clear tones to emanate from a seemingly impossibly svelte movement of barely 4mm thick. Two key technical developments have been necessary to construct the flat gong to produces a louder and clearer sound than traditional gongs and allows more room for the movement. The second is an innovative system of striking racks and strike selection mechanisms which take up much less space than conventional strike mechanisms.
The silver guilloche dial hardly let foresee the discrete window placed between 9 and 10 o’clock, featuring the hammers striking the gongs at the hour, the quarters and the minutes which can be activated by pressing a delicate indented slide on the left side of the case.The ultra flat movement of the Répétition Souveraine in 18K gold with its case in steel provide an astonishing lightness to the watch for a weight of only 69.6 grams, strap included. It makes the Repetition Souveraine one of the weightless complications in the world.
François-Paul Journe began drawing new time measuring instruments from a very early age and today his peers throughout the world have recognized universally his ingenuity and his unique sense of technique and innovation.
He also devoted time to another type of drawing, that of the fountain pen of his dreams, from an entirely new concept, cap less, that would be as comfortable, elegant and innovative as his timepieces.
The result is his highly original retractable system, registered with a patent, whereby the extremity of the pen comprises 6 flaps that open and close much like the delicate petals of a flower.Produced in Limited Edition of 500 each, and entirely guilloché by hand in the finest tradition of artisan craftsmanship, for a softer touch, each fountain pen and roller set is realized in precious platinum PT950 or 18K red gold, combined with titanium, the same symbolic precious metals as his exclusive watch creations.
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The Chronomètre Bleu proposes a new approach of high precision, with perfect chronometric virtues. This new creation is innovative with its 39 mm case made for the first time of Tantalum, a rare dark grey metal with blue overtones. Tantalum is rarely used in watchmaking as it is hard and very difficult to manipulate, due to its very high fusion temperature of 3800° and a density of 16.6. Tantalum is also precious as it is highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
The chrome blue dial is in perfect harmony with the colour of the case in a contemporary spirit. The F.P.Journe hands, matching the large cream-coloured Arabic numerals, mark the hours while the guilloché seconds dial at 7:30 enhances the mirror effect of the main dial.
The manually wound movement of the Chronomètre Bleu oscillates at 21,600v/h. Twin barrels, in the classic configuration of precision watches, work in parallel to deliver stable power for much of its 56-hour full autonomy.
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