Reviewing the Stylish FP Journe Chronometre Bleu

Since its launch in 2009, the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu has become FP Journe’s top-selling timepiece. It is a modern watch with a lovely, classic aesthetic, designed by the microbrand to meet the needs of the younger generation of watch collectors searching for a high-precision timekeeper.

Each component of this timepiece is superbly executed, particularly its gorgeous chrome blue dial, exhibiting the brand’s mastery in developing a top-tier, handsome watch that manages to look both quintessential and sophisticated. Indeed, the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is the ultimate style icon, made to cater to the needs of modern watch enthusiasts and casual audiences alike. Without further ado, let us take a closer look at the exquisite, incredible features of the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu. 

Up Close with the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu

Without a doubt, the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is the most sought-after timepiece in FP Journe’s entire catalogue. In general, FP Journe is known for producing striking, unusual watch designs that stand out from other brands’ watches while also effortlessly drawing the eye. The FP Journe Chronometre Bleu, however, is unique in its simplicity, as it bears a charming, quintessential look that simply cannot be found on any other FP Journe timepiece. 

Case, Bezel, and Caseback

As mentioned, the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is exclusively made and styled for younger patrons and collectors. As a result, it is said to be a rather special and very different kind of offering compared to its fellow FP Journe timepieces.

Right off the bat, you can tell that the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu boasts an appealing, modern look. It is presented in a relatively slender 39mm size, which allows it to best fit smaller-to-average-sized wrists. The case of this watch is also a highlight, as it is constructed using unique, high-quality tantalum. This exquisite metal comes in a gorgeous, rare dark grey hue with hints of handsome blue, giving the watch a stylish, lustrous look. As a dress watch, this timepiece is also fitted with a fixed tantalum bezel, which offers more security to the watch face, protecting it from impacts and scratches.

FP Journe’s use of tantalum for the Chronometre Bleu is notable because this metal is quite uncommonly used in watchmaking because of its exorbitant price. Nevertheless, tantalum stands out with its extraordinary features. This metal comes in a gorgeous, rare dark grey hue with hints of exquisite blue. It weighs about the same as platinum, making the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu considerably lighter and easier to tote around than stainless steel watches. It also possesses superior resistance to scratches and corrosion, so you have less to fear when it comes to wear and tear marring the impeccable looks of this watch.

On the right side of the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu’s case, you can find a flat, stout crown. This crown is unguarded, and its sides are covered by a circular tantalum ring that shows off slanting, grooved edges. This gives the watch an unusual, slightly vintage vibe, while also providing it with a better grip so wearers can grasp and turn the crown more easily. 

When you flip the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu over, you will immediately be welcomed by a crystal-clear sapphire caseback. This transparent caseback allows wearers to admire the architecturally-handsome movement that runs inside the watch. With this screwed-down caseback, the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu also has a solid 30-metre depth rating. This water resistance capacity is fairly standard for a dress watch, allowing the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu to easily survive splashes and showers. 

Dial 

Ask just about anyone on the street, and they will likely tell you that the dial of the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is the star of the show. While the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is a top-tier dress watch in every regard, this alluring dial is the one element that you simply cannot take your eyes off. 

The FP Journe Chronometre Bleu boasts a sleek chrome blue dial, which perfectly complements the watch’s dark grey case. This dial’s metallic, chrome blue finish plays with the light gorgeously, so it ranges from looking bright blue to dark blue, depending on the angle at which you are viewing the dial.

The layout of this watch’s sector dial is actually rather similar to the dressy pieces in A.Lange & Sohne’s 1815 collection. It is segmented into two sections, with the outer ring consisting of pronounced, stylised Arabic numeral markers. These numeral markers are painted in white, so they stand out against the darker blue background, allowing for optimal visibility. The central part of the dial contains cream-coloured hands and a small seconds sub-dial with a mesmerising sunburst blue finish. Placed between the 7 and 8 o’clock markers, this sub-dial has a snailed surface and distinct, bevelled edges, distinguishing it from the rest of the dial.

The top of this watch’s case also incorporates a layer of sapphire crystal. As the strongest watch glass available in the market, sapphire crystal is remarkably scratch-resistant, providing the watch’s face with additional protection from any external threats.

Movement

The FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is also known for its ultra-precise timekeeping. Driving this watch’s hour, minutes, and seconds functions is the powerful in-house FP Journe Calibre 1304. This stunning manually-wound movement comprises an 18K rose gold main plate and bridges and is held together by 22 jewels and 129 components. It possesses a beat frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and has a substantial power reserve that can last for up to 56 hours. 

Strap

To perfectly match the stylish case and dial, the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is furnished with a dark blue alligator leather strap. Made in Louisiana, it is known for its premium strap quality. While the outer surface of the strap bears an elegant alligator leather texture, the inner surface of the strap is smooth and feels extremely comfortable against the wrist.

This strap also comes with a tantalum buckle, which is engraved with an FP Journe inscription. Wearers can easily use a curved spring pin to attach the strap to the case, allowing them to change the watch’s strap without needing any professional tools. On the whole, the dark blue alligator leather strap, coupled with the tantalum case and chrome blue dial, creates a palette of cool, handsome colours.  

Price

Given the exquisite beauty and top-notch quality of FP Journe Chronometre Bleu, it is no surprise that it retails at a rather exorbitant price of $23,300 USD. Indeed, this is exacerbated by the fact that the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu has been consistently in high demand since its first release. Furthermore, as a microbrand, FP Journe is known for only producing a few pieces of this watch a year. Considering its rarity and lavishness, the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is definitely a worthy, if pricey, grab. 

Final Thoughts

The FP Journe Chronometre Bleu is a classic timepiece, packed with numerous innovative features. Designed to show the appeal of quintessential, vintage-influenced watches to younger modern audiences, this watch has been a crowd favourite since its first public release in 2009. The brand utilised an innovative approach when designing this watch, adopting unusual, high-quality materials and an ultra-precise movement. If you are looking for the best contemporary watches on the market, then the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu should definitely be on your radar.

All images are credited to FP Journe’s official website unless otherwise stated.

Featured image courtesy of (user/[deleted]) on Flickr.

Curious, what are the best entry-level luxury watches in the market? Why not spare some time to read our article about the best entry-level luxury watches.