Marteau: The Echo
Thursday, 12 - Thursday, 19 March 2026

FP Journe, Chronomètre Optimum

For this particular lot, the Maker’s Fee promised by Marteau & Co. may, at the brand’s discretion, be allocated by Marteau to one or more non-profit organizations supporting watchmaking and craftsmanship.

Lot Details

The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Optimum stands among the most technically accomplished expressions of the brand’s pursuit of chronometric precision. Produced during the early years of the model’s production and cased in 40 mm platinum, this example reflects the refined aesthetic and mechanical sophistication associated with Journe’s work. Its movement incorporates the innovative EBHP escapement alongside a remontoir d’égalité, delivering constant energy to the balance for enhanced stability. Blending advanced engineering with the restrained elegance characteristic of the manufacture, the Chronomètre Optimum remains one of François-Paul Journe’s most ingenious creations and a cornerstone of the collection. In Their Own Words: "I designed the Chronomètre Optimum in 2001. It was the first time that I integrated the dead beat second into my constant-force remontoire. This dead beat second can clearly be seen and is natural due to being linked to the one-second remontoire. In this watch the constant-force remontoire is visible while the second hand on the main dial ticks away at a speed of 3 hertz, i.e. 6 times per second (frequency of the escapement). This watch, in 2004, inspired the Tourbillon Souverain with Dead Beat Second. As I was working on the Calibre Octa and the various models of these automatic watches at the same time, I was unable to put the Chronomètre Optimum into production. Then other models such as the Sonnerie Souveraine, the Centigraphe Souverain and the Répétition Souveraine took up all my time. The basic premise was to make a watch with less internal friction, a constant force on the escapement to ensure isochronism and an escapement without lubrication to ensure stability. My watchmaking philosophy is to make watches that will still work in 200 years. Those made 200 years ago are still in working order today if they have been maintained regularly. It is for this reason that I only use solid materials that have proven their worth rather than modern materials that will probably be unable to be repaired in a few decades." Francois-Paul Journe., founder and master watchmaker of F.P. Journe.