Independents
SALMANPK's passionate review of his F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain "Tricolore" offers a deeply personal perspective on collecting, driven by aesthetics and emotional connection rather than purely technical aspects. His detailed photographs and insights into this rare piece, part of a limited set, provide a valuable look into the allure of independent watchmaking and the thrill of acquiring a truly unique timepiece.
For the past year I've been falling slowly but surely in love with FP Journe watches, I'm not one of those collectors who is too hung up about the technical aspects of a timepiece but am driven by the aesthetics and the play of light on the dial and case, maybe its my inner child 
who knows but when I saw the yellow dialled Resonance for the first time I know my heart skipped a beat and as I delved deeper and deeper I began to truly appreciate the design and colors of the various timepieces of FP Journe, I am a fan of the steampunk genre and the original Dead Seconds Tourbillon was a perfect example of a steampunk mood in design which I truly love.
So it was only a matter of time before I acquired my first FP Journe piece and I want to share it with my fellow Purists
THE PACKAGING
The box and papers are understated but very elegant and a choice of wood and leather is truly exceptional, feels amazing.
THE WATCH
When the chance arose to acquire this very rare piece it was very hard to resist , I am sure you all know the feeling
In my research regarding the piece my understanding is that these pieces were also sold with a FP Journe Chronographe piece as a set by Swiss Fine Timing of Chicago, only 8 sets were offered and buyers were also offered a FP Journe wall clock so finding a single piece was a once in a life time opportunity
THE MOVEMENT
I love the gorgeous movement on this piece and the way the light dances off its surface, creating a very moody aesthetic
THE CASE
The case has very classical proportions and at 40mm is just right for me
The straight lugs which taper off at the end rarely touch my wrist and instead are suspended in midair
I wish the crown had an FP Journe logo like AP
THE DIAL
IMHO the star of the show, I dont think FP Journe will ever top the aesthetic feel of this dial design, its sporty yet classically elegant which is a rare combination to find nowadays and one that is perfect for me, the way the numbers change in size as it approaches the sub-second dial gives a very organic feel as if the dial is alive
Red Tipped Minute Hand
The recessed sub-second dial is a joy to the eyes
THE STRAP AND BUCKLE
In Platinum like the case
Very soft Croco strap, feels just right on the wrist
THE USER MANUAL
WRIST SHOTS
The play of light on the dial and case, a pleasure to the senses
The red, silvery white and blue are an awesome color combination and reminds of the French Tricolore and the US Flag, amazing
I want to thank Samy from Kronopassion, Allen and Brad for inspiring me and educating me about FP Journe pieces, its been a great journey so far and hoping for more discoveries in the future
Hope you enjoyed the report on my first FP Joune
S
The Chronomètre à Résonance represents F.P. Journe's entry in the Souveraine collection, distinguished by its resonance complication. This reference utilizes the principle of resonance between two independent escapements to enhance chronometric precision.
The 40mm case is crafted in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The silver dial houses the manual-winding caliber 1499 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on haute horlogerie complications and independent watchmaking. The resonance mechanism positions this piece as a technical showcase within F.P. Journe's manual-winding offerings. Production began in 2000, establishing this as part of the brand's contemporary catalog for collectors seeking advanced chronometric functions.
Great choice for your first Journe.
Thanks for sharing some beautiful photos. I love how you caught all the jewel sinks on the movement. They are just glowing!!!! This dial color combo in indeed rare and looks great on your wrist. Wear it well! Best, Brad
Congrats Salman. Really like this limited piece, very different and interesting. May you enjoy it for many years to come!
On your fantastic looking FP Journe. The photos do your watch proud. It wasn't until the last photo that I realised, that the tip of the minute hand was the same colour as the numbers on the dial. A nice finish and one of things that we love about the uniqueness of Mr Journe.
Regarding this watch (and maybe this genre?), I have mixed feelings. Exciting to see such a variation, but overall not much to my liking.
fallen head over heels for it thank you S
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