Chronomètre Souverain Havana Dial | Rose Gold

This is an F. P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Havana* with a 40mm rose gold case paired with a rich, tobacco-coloured dial and eggshell printing and hands. The Havana was first released in 2017. In addition to the subsidiary seconds register, the dial features a deck chronometre-style power reserve display counting down 56 hours since it was last fully wound. The central portion of the dial features an expanse of clous de Paris. Powering the Chronomètre Souverain is the manually wound calibre 1304 with bridges and baseplate crafted from solid rose gold. The Chronomètre Souverain is often referred to as one of the original references F. P. Journe sought to bring to market as early as 1999, eventually choosing to defer its release till 2005. Upon release, it was greeted with the Men’s watch prize at the year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). In a catalogue characterised by off-centre displays, the central positioning of the Chronomètre Souverain's time-telling aspect was unusual. It is often considered to be a distillation of Journe's vision of fine modern watchmaking with chronometry at its heart. First seen in this iteration in 2017, the Chronomètre Souverain Havana was produced in the 40mm size in rose gold and platinum. Central to the proposition is the rich, brown dial that is produced in F. P. Journe’s specialist dial concern, Les Cadraniers de Genève. Crafted on a silver base, the colour is a blend of gold and ruthenium. The Havana dial here, with the eggshell dial furniture, is perfectly at home in the Chronomètre Souverain’s rose gold case. The case stands just 8mm tall. It’s three parts are marked by the rounded bezel and caseback that protrude slightly beyond the midcase. All parts wear even polishing. The double dimpled flat crown features the rope motif that is the brand’s signature. The lugs are short and curve down quite dramatically, reducing the overall footprint of the watch face to just 48mm. Their 20mm gap is furnished with quick release dark brown, large-grained leather strap with lighter brown contrast stitching and curved ends. It is secured by a signed rose gold pin buckle. The warmth of the tone of the case is matched by the tobacco shade of the dial. At its centre is a clous de Paris pattern. The chemin de fer minutes track and Arabic hours are printed in an eggshell tone, with this shade employed in the subsidiary seconds chapter between 7 and 8 o’clock as well as the fan-style power reserve indicator at 3. The hands are also lacquered in a similar eggshell shade. The visual warmth does not come at the cost of legibility. The deck chronometre-style power reserve displays 56 hours since the movement was fully wound. Visible through the display caseback is the manual winding calibre 1304, with bridges and the baseplate crafted from 18k gold. The view is dominated by twin mainspring barrels, anchored by an irregular-shaped bridge. The barrels combine to provide 56 hours of reserve. The balance, oscillating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, is adjusted in six positions, one more than chronometric standards require. The free-sprung architecture of the balance makes it resistant to shocks. In between the bridges, that feature Côtes de Genève that lines up perfectly and delicate anglage, the drive train is concealed by a plate that wears radial finishing with the 'Chronomètre Souverain' engraved on it. The baseplate features beautiful perlage. On the bridge straddling the barrels are engraved details such as the brand mark and motto, as well as its jewel count and the precious metal the movement is crafted from. The watch comes with its original box, paperwork as well as warranty documentation issued by the F. P. Journe boutique in Beirut, Lebanon in 2024. As noted previously, the Chronomètre Souverain has been a canvas for many a celebratory reference. While the Havana itself does not commemorate a new boutique opening or mark an anniversary, it is one of the most attractive and sought after executions of the Chronomètre Souverain line. Paired with the rose gold case and rose gold movement, it is precious all the way through, like a box of aged Cohiba. Closer look Brand: F. P. Journe Model: Chronomètre Souverain Movement: manual-winding calibre 1304 Functions: hours, minutes, sub-seconds Features: guilloché brown dial, display back Case material: rose gold Case diameter: 40mm Case thickness: 8mm Lug-to-lug: 47.5mm Crystal: sapphire front & back Strap: nubuck curved strap from our own collection, F. P. Journe tan alligator strap, F. P. Journe rose gold pin buckle Lug width: 20 x 19mm (curved) Year: 2024 Accompanying materials: F. P. Journe outer box & inner wooden box, international warranty card (stamped & dated), polishing cloth Condition This F. P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, only very light superficial marks on the very surface of the material. The dial, hands, and movement are free of imperfections and have been well preserved. All hallmarks and engravings are well defined. Warranty The watch comes with a two-year, limited warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.