Only Watch 2017 – F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante (His First Ever Split-Seconds)

After the unique Patek Philippe 5208T for Only Watch 2017 we’ve just introduced to you, you might think that you’ve seen the best of the upcoming charity auction… but you’d be wrong, as F.P.Journe will have a unique Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante (the first split-seconds he has ever created), with the usual tantalum / blue chrome combination. And that is quite something!

For Only Watch 2015, F.P.Journe previously proffered a visually stunning watch, the Tourbillon Souverain Bleu in tantalum. However, as beautiful this watch was, and even if it did reach an impressive CHF 550,000, it was not an entirely new watch per se, but rather a visual update of an existing model. For 2017, F.P.Journe goes much, much further, as not only has he introduced a new and unique watch, but notably one which also features an entirely new movement – and when you know the genius behind this brand, then you have good reason to be excited!

Here is the F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante for Only Watch 2017 – the first ever split-seconds chronograph to be created by François-Paul Journe. Looking at the movement first, we are in the presence of a highly classical architecture, with Monopusher split seconds, and twin column-wheels. A long autonomy of 80 hours makes it possible to use the chronograph and the split-seconds efficiently, even after 2 days.

As is traditional with all F.P.Journe’s movements, the Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante has pink gold plates and bridges and each lever and spring is mirror polished. Overall, the calibre 1517 is perfectly finished and decorated. It is said to be a specific development for Only Watch, however we are curious to see if this movement could be later housed in a more standard watch.

Visually, the F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante uses the brand’s signature codes, with a tantalum case and a blue chrome dial. The case is large, in fact measuring 44mm across it is indeed the largest ever made by Journe. The dial has a traditional twin-subdial display, with small seconds at 9 and 30-minute counter at 3. It has vintage-inspired tachymeter and telemeter scales on the periphery, and for these details Journe has chosen vivid colors, with yellow and red accents, paired with an orange strap.

Overall, this F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante is extremely impressive. Considering that it is unique in many ways (case, dial and significantly its movement), we wouldn’t be surprised at all if it were to fetch a price well above its estimate guide of between CHF 200,000 and CHF 400,000 – and perhaps even making the highest price ever for a Journe watch.

Only Watch is a biennial fundraiser for research on muscular dystrophy –  Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (AMM). Organized under the patronage of HSH Albert II de Monaco, the 7^th edition gathers a record 48 participants. Only Watch 2017 will be auctioned by Christie’s in Geneva in November 2017. For more information, please visit www.onlywatch.com.

Technical Specifications – F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante Only Watch 2017

• Case: 44mm diameter x 11.50mm – unique case and size – tantalum, polished – sapphire crystal on both sides
• Movement: manual winding F.P. Journe calibre 1517 “Monopusher split second chronograph” with column wheels, plates and bridges in 18K rose Gold – 21,600vph – 80H power reserve
• Strap: orange leather strap
• Unique piece