The Chronomètre Bleu is innovative with its 39 mm case made for the first time of Tantalum, a rare dark grey metal with blue overtones. Tantalum is a wonderful metal but rarely used in watchmaking as it is hard and very difficult to manipulate, due to its very high fusion temperature of 3000° and a density of 16.3. Tantalum is also precious as it is highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
The chrome blue dial is in perfect harmony with the color of the case in a contemporary spirit. The F.P. Journe hands, matching the large cream-colored Arabic numerals, mark the hours while the guilloché seconds dial at 7:30 enhances the mirror effect of the main dial.
The manual winding movement of the Chronomètre Bleu is made in 18K rose gold, like that of all F.P. Journe creations. Signed with the label Invenit et Fecit- (invented and made), each F.P. Journe exclusive movement guarantees a manufacture calibre, invented, constructed, and assembled entirely in our Geneva workshops. For the Chronomètre Bleu , the exacting motto of F.P. Journe’s watchmakers holds true: “to each watchmaker his own watch”.
Through the transparent back, the balance and escapement appear to be mysteriously detached from the movement, beating with no apparent motive force. F.P. Journe has placed the connecting train under the dial, leaving only the centre wheel to highlight the isolation of the balance.
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. The F.P. Journe free-sprung chronometer balance with inertia adjustment on four opposing weights is dynamically adjusted to six positions, with an emphasis on constancy of rate.
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Technical Specifications – Chronomètre Bleu
Movement Calibre 1304 Manually wound by 38 turns Movement in 18K rose gold 22 jewels
Dimensions of the Movement Overall diameter: 30.40 mm Casing-up diameter: 29.60 mm Overall height: 3.75 mm Height of winding system: 2.10 mm Diameter of stem thread: S0.90 mm
Balance Four inertia weights Flat Anachron microflamed spring Mobile stud holders Free-sprung Nivatronic laser-welded to collet Pinned GE stud Frequency: 21,600 v / h, (3Hz) Inertia: 10.10 mg /cm2 Angle of lift: 52° Amplitude: 0h dial up: > 320° 24h dial up: > 280°
Principal characteristics Manual winding Two mainspring barrels in parallel Time adjustment via crown in position 2 Pallet escapement with 15-tooth escape wheel Two position crown
Indications Central hours and minutes Sub-seconds at 7:30
Power reserve 56 hours +- 2h.
Decoration High quality Partly circular grained base plate, with barleycorn guilloché Polished screw heads, chamfered slots Pegs with polished rounded ends
Case Tantalum Diameter: 39 mm Height: 8.60 mm Dial: Chrome blue
Number of Pieces Movement without dial: 133 Cased-up on leather strap: 166
F.P. Journe is featured in Elite Traveler’s THE OFFICIAL WATCH BUYER’S GUIDE 2009/2010.
