This is the F.P. Journe Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu. Depending on how deep you are into this thing of ours, you may never have heard of this watch. Let alone seen one in the flesh. But amongst certain circles, it has become like gold dust. A rarity on every level. Few luxury watches at any price can rival its beauty, exclusivity, and value. At least that seems to be the popular opinion that has formed now. It wasn\u2019t always the case though. If you can believe it, there was a time, not so long ago that the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu was accessible. In the relative sense at least. You still needed a six-figure income or a decent trust fund, but it was possible to buy one at retail. All that\u2019s changed now, of course. So, what makes the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu so valuable? Keep reading to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A (Very) Brief History Of The FP Journe Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu<\/h2>\n
Launched in 2009, the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu built on the success of the Chronom\u00e8tre Souverain<\/a><\/strong>. The earlier (2005) CS collection has more of a traditional bent to it though. Whereas this new model was very much targeted towards younger collectors. An entry-level piece into the brand if you will. A way for the next generation of enthusiasts to discover and enjoy Journe\u2019s creations.<\/p>\n Or at least that was the intention, anyway. But we\u2019ll come to pricing and availability in due course.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t assume though that Journe cut corners in making this model more accessible. It\u2019s quite the opposite in fact. The Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu is one of the most over-engineered time only, dress watches ever. End of. Nothing about this piece is ordinary or \u201cstandard\u201d. Yet another reason why it\u2019s become a grail watch for so many collectors.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t an instant hit though. When this model launched, F.P. Journe<\/a><\/strong> was not the mainstream success it is today. Back then the brand \u2013 and the man \u2013 was only known to especially dedicated connoisseurs. And to be honest, they weren\u2019t sure about the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu at first. Journe was (and still is) one of the greatest watchmakers of his era. Renowned for his mastery of a complex and vast array of skills. And for creating some of the most complicated pieces in modern history. Why was he making a simple, time only watch?<\/p>\n The obvious answer is that it was a business decision. And over the years, Mr. Journe has shown himself to be a very savvy businessman as well as watchmaker. He recognised that to grow awareness of his brand he needed a killer, entry-level piece. But it was also very much about challenging himself.<\/p>\n You see, the thing with simple watches is that there\u2019s no room for superfluous details. Collectors will accept drawbacks \u2013 i.e busy dial, thicker case \u2013 if they are necessary to accommodate complications. Look at the Patek Philippe Ref 5070<\/a><\/strong>. Simple watches though are all about purity. Every component. Every element. Every design detail. The watchmaker must give them all painstaking consideration. And to Journe\u2019s credit, he gave the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu as much time and attention as he did all his other creations. And so, it didn\u2019t take him long to win over the early followers of the brand. The piece was cool, practical and wearable. But it was also very Journe.<\/p>\n The Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu combines Journe\u2019s characteristic style, innovation, and singular vision. It\u2019s wearable on a daily basis. COSC-level accurate. And, up until a few years ago, was obtainable by mere mortals. So, what makes this individual model so special? Let\u2019s get into the details.<\/p>\n At 39mm x 8.6mm thick, the size and shape of the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu case is somewhat traditional. The watch sits very flat against the wrist and is lauded for its comfort and versatility. Less orthodox is the material selected by Journe for the case. Tantalum<\/a><\/strong> is among the rarest stable metals on the planet. It\u2019s also very hard and has a high resistance to corrosion and wear. To the untrained enthusiast, tantalum\u2019s heft is indistinguishable from platinum. Yet it is far more challenging to work with and finish. Plus, the scarcity of tantalum watch options makes platinum seem common by comparison.<\/p>\n Despite these apparent benefits, you don\u2019t see Tantalum used in watchmaking too often. And there\u2019s a good reason for that. Most manufacturers \u2013 including 3rd-party suppliers \u2013 don\u2019t work with it. Its very high fusion temperature of 3000\u00b0 and its density of 16.3 make it a nightmare to manipulate. Which means it\u2019s not exactly compelling as a commercial proposition. And that\u2019s assuming they even have the required expertise.<\/p>\n Of course, as a vertically-integrated manufacture F.P. Journe is not at the mercy of 3rd parties. Instead the company has the technical resources to craft tantalum cases at will. But what really sets the tantalum case of the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu apart is its finish. Journe opted for the more challenging polished rather than matte finish. The result is a stunning luster best described as \u201cblack chrome.\u201d Although in the right light it also has a bit of blueish tinge to it.<\/p>\n The most obvious visual drawcard of the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu is its metallic blue dial. One second it appears iridescent, the next a flat navy color, all depending on how the light hits. Today, blue dials are everywhere to the point of becoming commonplace. But this was not the case when the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu launched in 2009. Especially not ones with such a vibrant hue. And in fact, some credit this model with initiating the trend. Or at least playing a part.<\/p>\n Of course, the use of the color blue is not new in watchmaking. Rather it has deeply-rooted ties to high horology. In days old it was a signature of royalty and a mark of distinction in fine watchmaking. Blue hairsprings, blue screws, blue hands, blue enamel. All hallmarks of the beloved of historic masters and watchmakers-to-kings. Think A.L. Breguet, Pierre Jaquet-Droz, and Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec.<\/p>\n But the visage of the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu is no anachronism.<\/p>\n This is a very contemporary dial executed using modern techniques. Yet, as with the dial color, the details also pay subtle homage to the past. For example, Journe\u2019s treatment of the pocket watch style subsidiary seconds dial. The concentric circular guilloch\u00e9 and a miniature \u201crailroad\u201d seconds track recall his origins as a specialist in vintage restoration. But the calculated asymmetry of the off-center subdial is a nod to postmodern caprice and irony.<\/p>\n Around the periphery, Arabic numerals in ornate heritage font combine with a \u201csector\u201d minute track. Another subtle nod to tradition. But then Journe renders the printed marks in a droll off-white verging on cream. Unique tapered hands in a matching tone complete the retro-modernist fusion. And so, even though the dial of the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu appears simple, there is a lot going on. If you know where to look.<\/p>\n Where the complexity and attention to detail of this piece becomes apparent is on the back. Having built his first tourbillon while still in his 20s, F.P. Journe doesn\u2019t settle for a pretty face. The name, of course, hints at the horological virtues of the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu. But they only reveal themselves through the sapphire caseback.<\/p>\n Journe\u2019s in-house caliber 1304 is hewn entirely in 18-karat rose gold. Not a gilt coating but a solid gold mass of 18k plates and bridges. Each bridge bears linear c\u00f4tes de Gen\u00e8ve. Every screw is polished, immaculately slotted, and chamfered around its circumference.<\/p>\n Journe\u2019s mission was to create a chronometer-grade movement as beautiful as it is precise. In line with this, the going train that links the balance to the spring barrels runs under the dial. As opposed to taking the conventional path across the caseback. This ensures uninterrupted views of the cal. 1304\u2019s contrasting barleycorn and tight perlage finish. The lack of visible train wheels also mean the balance cock and escapement appear to move as if by magic.<\/p>\n The critical balance assembly is free sprung for maximum resistance to shock-induced variation. A massive balance wheel packs an exceptional 10.10 mg\/cm2 moment of inertia. Making it resistant to all but major knocks. Journe laser-welds the hairspring to the collet to avoid accidental displacement. No detail has been overlooked in the quest for accuracy.<\/p>\n Twin mainspring barrels operate in parallel, promoting a steady release of force. Even by today\u2019s standards the 56-hour power reserve is respectable. Yet Journe\u2019s goal was always absolute consistency. As such, the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu remains one the rare haute horlogerie timepieces to seek and receive COSC Swiss Chronometer certification<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Today, the Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu is one of the most sought-after time only models on the market. From any brand. It is right up there with the likes of PP\u2019s Ref 5711<\/a><\/strong> and AP\u2019s Ref 15202ST<\/a><\/strong>. Which is saying something when you consider the latter are two of the most iconic models on the planet. Your chances of finding one at retail are rare. So rare in fact that collectors joke that the case metal is now hewn from unobtanium. Rumour has it that after the wait list ballooned out to 8 years, they stopped taking names.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/FP-Journe-Chronometre-Bleu-3.jpeg\")
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/FP-Journe-Chronometre-Bleu-3.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nA Slow Burn<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/ChronoBleu_carrousel.png\")
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/ChronoBleu_carrousel.png\"\/)
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nThe FP Journe Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu<\/h2>\n
The Case<\/h3>\n
\n\t\t\t
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/FP-Journe-Chronome\u0300tre-Bleu.jpeg\")
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/FP-Journe-Chronome\u0300tre-Bleu.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nThe Dial<\/h3>\n
\n\t\t\t
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/FP-Journe-Chronometre-Bleu-1.jpeg\")
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/FP-Journe-Chronometre-Bleu-1.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nThe Movement<\/h3>\n
\n\t\t\t
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/FP-Journe-Chronometre-Bleu-2.jpeg\")
![\"FP](\"https:\/\/thewatchlounge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/FP-Journe-Chronometre-Bleu-2.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nPricing & Availability Of The Chronom\u00e8tre Bleu<\/h2>\n