F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante Unique Piece Made for the 10th Anniversary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

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F.P.Journe has created a unique piece of his Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante given for the 10th Anniversary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and sold during the Singapore Charity Ball auction under the patronage of his H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco. This watch was sold for the extraordinary amount of SG$ 400’000.-

This seminal F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante features a one of a kind execution of a blue dial with oracle bone script numerals chronicling the passing of time.

Based on consultations with renowned scholars and scribes, Francois-Paul Journe re-imagined the numerals on the chronograph counters, and the hour-and-minute chapter rings, with carefully-curated extrapolations of the ancient oracle bone script awakening the ancient Chinese intellect. This timepiece not only celebrates the passing of time but the term “chronograph’ derives its name from the Greek words; chronos and graphô.

The oracle bone script was a form of Chinese characters carved on animal bones or turtle plastrons, used mainly for pyromantic divinations. They are the oldest known form of Chinese writing. Beginning with Wu Ding, whose ascension is estimated by scholars to be between 1250 to 1200 BCE, this writing form oversaw a period spanning the rules of the last nine kings of the Shang dynasty, displaying a level of maturity that reflects its evolution over several hundred years. Highly-pictographic in nature, due in part to the difficulty of engraving the hard surfaces, the late Shang oracle bone writing is directly ancestral to the modern Chinese script.

Contrary to later and more advanced Chinese writings in which words are read from right to left, oracle bone inscriptions often start near the center of the shell or bone, and are mirrored on both sides, radiating towards the edges. With its pictographs taking on different meanings when placed in differing combinations, the oracle bone script is the rare form of writing that is rooted in history, yet exudes a rare, free-spirited dynamic. The fact that out of the thousands of engravings found so far, many remains undeciphered only adds to its mythical nature.

The Titanium case of 44 mm diameter features an assorted metal bracelet with matte finishing, identical to the existing line Sport version. Rubber inserts are fixed on the case and the bracelet links to protect the watch from frictions on smooth surface like bumpers of ancient automobiles. It encloses the new mono-pusher split-second chronograph movement with manual winding in Aluminium alloy with a very large date. This Chronograph features a power reserve of 80 hours making it possible to efficiently use the chronograph with the rattrapante (split-second) function after 2 days. The very large date in a window of 5.20 x 2.80 mm provides an increased readability.

Technical details

Movement
Exclusive F.P.Journe Calibre 1518 in Aluminium alloy
Mechanical with manual winding – 38 turns of crown
Jewels: 29

Dimensions of the Movement
Overall diameter: 33.60 mm
Casing-up diameter: 33.20 mm
Overall height: 6.80 mm
Height of hands: 2.20 mm
Diameter of stem thread: S1.20 mm

Balance
In-line lever escapement, 15-tooth escape wheel
Chronometric with four adjustable inertia weights
Anachron balance spring
Mobile stud holders
Free-sprung balance
Nivatronic laser-welded to collet
Pinned GE stud
Frequency: 21,600 v/h (3Hz)
Inertia: 10.10 mg x cm2
Angle of lift: 52°
Amplitude: 12h flat: > 300°; 12h vertical: > 260°

Main Characteristics
Crown rubber over molded with 3 positions:
Position 1: winding
Position 2: correction of the date
Position 3: time setting
Pusher chronograph to start, stop and back to zero at 2h
Pusher split-second at 4h

Autonomy
Over 80 hours without the chronograph

Indications
Central hours and minutes
Register 60 seconds at 9h
Register 30 jumping minutes chronograph at 3h
Very large date at 6h

Finishing
Circular stripes on the bridges, circular graining on the baseplate, polished screw heads with chamfered slots, pegs with polished rounded ends, straight-grained steel work

Case
Diameter: 44 mm
Total height: 12.10 mm
Titanium grade 5, with rubber inserts

Dial
Unique piece in blue color with rhodied applique numerals inspired by oracle bone script, rhodied hands with superluminova for the hours and minutes, 2 Silver guilloche chronograph counters and red hands

Bracelet
Titanium grade 5, with rubber inserts

Number of Parts
Movement without dial: 285
Cased up with strap: 562