If you take a moment to peruse the F.P. Journe website or catalog, or spend any time reading about the amazing horological achievements of Francois-Paul Journe, its very hard not to be overwhelmed be a desire to own an F.P. Journe watch (or multiple F.P. Journe watches, with bank account willing!) While his extraordinary complicated watches have garnered tremendous acclaim in the luxury press, and rightly so, perhaps the most attractive F.P Journe watch to my eyes is one of the (comparatively) simplest–the Chronometre Souverain.

There are so many wonderful details on the Chronometre Souverain watch which please me, that its hard to know where to start. The case design is wonderful–classic, yet infused with just enough of a distinctive flavor to clearly differentiate it from the established offerings from the larger watchmaking houses. The dial has the same wonderful effect– it is elegant and beautiful in its numerous fine details, but bears the unmistakable design signature of one of the world’s most creative and inventive watchmakers. Then of course you have the fascinating F.P Journe manufacture movement ticking inside this watch, enriched with distinctive constructive details (plates and wheels crafted from 18K pink gold), and horologically innovative features (a power reserve indicator, twin mainspring barrels, and a free-sprung balance).

This is a wonderful union of watchmaking brilliance and classical beauty. Whether you are looking to collect your first ultra-exclusive dress watch, or you want to expand your collection beyond the established watch models from more broadly famous brands such as Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, or Vacheron Constantin, the F.P. Journe Chronometre Souverain timepiece should be one of your first considerations.