Introducing the FP Journe Chronomètre Optimum, Featuring Remontoir and Double Escape Wheels (with specs and price)

This watch has been rumoured to have been in the works for some years and finally it is here, the FP Journe Souveraine Chronomètre Optimum. As the name suggests this watch is Journe's idea of the ideal chronometer. It is essentially a fusion of ideas from the Tourbillon Remontoir e'Egalite and the Chronometre Souverain - it has constant force mechanism along with twin barrels.

Visible from the dial at 11 o’clock is the constant force mechanism, just as with the early generation, brass movement Journe tourbillons. And unlike in the tourbillon where it is steel, in the Chronomètre Optimum the remontoir spring is in titanium.

The remontoir mechanism visible from the dial

And over on the back is the dead beat seconds, linked to the remontoir.

The other notable feature of the calibre is the bi-axial, direct impulse escapement. With the twin escape wheels and anchor in titanium, the bi-axial escapement is lubrication free and also has constant amplitude for the first 50 hours of power reserve (the total power reserve is 70 hours). And the movement is also equipped with a free sprung balance and hairspring with Philips curve.

The bi-axial escapement

Such escapements are the flavour of the day with independents; this Journe escapement seems to operate on similar principles to the escapements in the Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro Rotor and also the Kari Voutilainen Vingt-8.

Chronometre Optimum in 40 mm rose gold case

Like all other Journe watches the movement bridges and base plate are in rose gold. And the case is available in 40 or 42 mm diameter, in either rose gold or platinum. The retail prices for the 40 mm versions are approximately CHF85,800 in rose gold version and CHF91,800 for the platinum version. I reckon this is some time from being sold commercially, and working reliably, but it is a notable addition to the ever growing category of chronometers (in the truest sense of the word). – SJX

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News: Noble Crus wine fund valuation questioned – manager also runs Precious Time watch fund

Noble Crus, a wine fund with EUR109 million in assets, has been the subject of some discussion recently, after its valuation methodology was questioned in the Financial Times. Elite Advisers, the manager of Noble Crus, just published its response to the FT report. What makes this interesting is that Elite Advisers also runs a watch fund, Precious Time, with just under EUR20 million under management (as at end August 2012). Unsurprisingly the bulk of the fund is in vintage Patek Philippe and Rolex. Readers can sign up on the Elite Advisers website for more information on the watch fund. – SJX

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