F.P. Journe Repetition Minutes Souveraine Watch

After his Grande Sonnerie Souveraine tour-de-force, Fran?ois-Paul Journe has followed this staggering achievement with an ultra-slim minute repeater watch.  The F.P. Journe Repetition Minutes Souveraine carries on the reputation of the famous watchmaker for crafting Haute Horlogerie distinguished by brilliant technique and a passion for innovation.

This F.P. Journe Minute Repeater watch features a case crafted from stainless steel.  Chosen specifically for its superior acoustic properties, its classical form measures 40mm in diameter.  The dial is made from silver, and showcases a guilloche central pattern, a satin-finished chapter ring, and a moire-finished small second subdial and power reserve indicator; the hands are in blued steel, and feature the shape which has become a design signature of the house of F.P. Journe.  A cutout in the dial permits a glimpse of a repeater hammer.  The slide-piece on the left side of the case activates the repeater function, which sounds upon demand---the hours are sounded by a low chime, quarter hours with a high-low combination, and minutes with a series of high tones.

Comprised of 301 individual components, the movement plates and bridges are crafted from 18K pink gold.  It offers a number of unique technical features, including a free-sprung balance with four variable-inertia weights, and a system of twin mainspring barrels that offer approximately 56 hours of power reserve.  The minute repeater mechanism incorporates a number of distinctive elements.  By utilizing a flat gong mounted under the dial rather than a system of coiled gong springs around the movement edge, the mechanism has become extremely flat, at a mere 4.00 millimeters; not only outstanding for its compactness, this system allows for even greater resonance.  Also unique to this movement is the system of racks and striking selectors, which inhabit less space than more complex traditional repeater systems; due to their ingenious simplicity, reliability is also optimized.  Two patents have been applied for, to protect the development of this innovative repeating mechanism.  

Each F.P. Journe Repetition Minutes Souveraine watch is completed by a fine crocodile strap, and a crocodile leather strap with an F.P. Journe buckle.