What We Know
As is tradition, the follow up to F.P.Journe’s most recent Only Watch creation is here. Called the Chronomètre Furtif (furtif meaning stealthy or secretive in English), this is a watch Journe lovers have been awaiting for some time, but it’s surprising and super striking all the same. With a tungsten carbide and tantalum alloy case and integrated bracelet and anthracite Grand Feu mirror polished enamel dial, it’s a wild addition to the brand’s lineSport collection.
When F.P.Journe announced the Chronomètre Bleu Furtif for Only Watch, the watch was remarkable for a few reasons. First, (since the movement is such a big part of the appeal of François-Paul Journe's watches) was the first ever direct central seconds movement from the brand, which also hid a power reserve and moonphase at the rear of the watch. The second was the full tantalum case and bracelet. Finally, the watch had a very Chronomètre Bleu dial but with the lineSport logo and the brand's version of Arabic numerals somewhat hidden (and frustrating to photograph, I'll say) against the mirror polished dial. But where do you go from there?
It's the same but different. The Calibre 1522 in 18K rose gold still powers the watch but, aside from the movement everything has gone blacked-out. The case and bracelet are sandblasted and the tungsten carbide material has the approximate hardness near that of sapphire. The case measures 42mm by 9.5mm and no water resistance is given. The watch costs CHF 85,000.
What We Think
I’m a sucker for a blacked-out watch but I never expected that I’d ever see something like this from F.P.Journe. Between this watch and another (outrageous) piece unique that I saw today (yes, I’ll cover that soon too), I made the observation that it feels like the older François-Paul gets, the more youthful his creations become. Blacked-out watches, gem-set (or glass-set) creations, nothing seems off-limits for F.P.Journe design anymore.
The watch is incredibly hefty on the wrist – not super light as some people imagined – even though it’s no longer in tantalum like the Only Watch piece. The integrated bracelet and overall aesthetic fits well into the brands LineSport collection. The black tungsten carbine gives an incredible effect and the mirror-polished anthracite Grand Feu enamel dial is truly a dark mirror and the numerals are only visible at a very extreme angle but the hands maintain a great legibility. But it all is so striking it’s easy to forget that the watch is the brand’s first center seconds watch with a remarkable movement (and hidden moonphase). I’ll have more thoughts in a future hands-on.
The Basics
Brand: F.P. Journe
Model: Chronomètre Furtif
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 9.5mm
Case Material: Tungsten carbide with tantalum elements
Dial Color: Mirror polished anthracite Grand Feu enamel
Water Resistance: None given
Strap/Bracelet: Matching bracelet
The Movement
Caliber: FPJ Caliber 1522
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, rear power reserve, rear moonphase
Diameter: 33.5mm
Thickness: 5.9mm
Power Reserve: 56 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 VPH (3 Hz)
Pricing & Availability
Price: CHF 85,000
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No, but limited production
For more, click here.
