Independent watchmaker F.P. Journe has unveiled a unique timepiece, the Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante, created specifically for the Only Watch charity auction. According to Monochrome Watches, the single-button split-seconds chronograph features a unique 44mm tantalum case paired with a blue chrome dial. The biennial charity event, held under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, raises funds for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Design and Movement Specifications of the Unique Chronograph
The F.P. Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante utilizes a newly developed manual-wind movement, the Calibre 1515, constructed entirely from 18k rose gold. According to WorldTempus, the movement measures 32.6mm in diameter and powers hours, minutes, a tachymeter scale, and a chronograph function with split-seconds capability operated via a single push-piece integrated into the crown. The tantalum case—a rare material in contemporary watchmaking due to its difficulty to machine—measures 44mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness.
The dial layout breaks from traditional F.P. Journe aesthetics by featuring a central tachymetric scale and sector markings rendered in shades of blue and grey. According to Hodinkee, the dial design draws inspiration from historical pocket watches in the maker’s private collection, emphasizing legibility while retaining classical haute horlogerie finishing techniques, including Geneva stripes on the gold bridges.
Only Watch Auction Context and Charitable Impact
The timepiece serves as F.P. Journe’s unique contribution to the 10th edition of Only Watch. According to the Official Only Watch Organization, the charity auction brings together dozens of independent and luxury watch brands to donate one-off timepieces, with 99% of funds raised directly supporting the Monegasque Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (AMD). Past editions of the auction have established significant prestige within the collector market, frequently drawing high-profile bids for rare complications crafted exclusively for the sale.
The auction event underscores the watch industry’s ongoing collaboration with medical research charities. According to The Financial Times, unique pieces donated by independent watchmakers like F.P. Journe often drive the highest valuation benchmarks during the charity proceedings, reflecting strong collector demand for singular mechanical achievements coupled with philanthropic causes.