This unique F.P. Journe timepiece sells for over $1 million at auction

Nov 16

Designed specifically for the eighth edition of the “Ball in Monaco” auction, which took place on 28 October at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, for the benefit of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Chronomètre Optimum certainly knew how to catch our attention.

Collector-Mag-F.P.Journe-watch — Chronomètre Optimum - Photo: F.P. Journe

Featuring a stunning burgundy colour and ruthenium-plated guilloché Silver dial and Chinese numerals, the timepiece holds the serial number 508-CO and features the engraving “S.A.S Albert II 2022 Singapore” on the movement. In an ongoing quest for precision, innovation and excellence, the Chronomètre Optimum symbolizes the very essence of François-Paul Journe's chronometric research for a wristwatch. At 11 o'clock, the wheel of the ‘Remontoir d’égalité’ can be seen through an opening that invites you to discover the heart of the watch. On the back, the 18K rose gold movement reveals a natural deadbeat second, delineated by a seconds circle screwed onto the bridges. This Calibre 1510 also benefits from two barrels and a High-Performance Bi-axial Escapement (EBHP), a patented F.P.Journe invention.

Its exquisite design drew in several collectors, who then entered into a fierce bidding war, under the watchful eyes of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince and Mr. Vivian Balakrishnan, the Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs.

With an opening bid of just over $125,000, the Chronomètre Optimum sold for an astonishing $1,078,065 beating by nearly four times, the amount raised in 2018 for the sale of the F.P. Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante.

The funds raised from this auction will be used by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to support concrete actions in Asia for the protection of the Ocean, the main theme of this "Ball in Monaco".