F.P. Journe Chronographe FB Tokyo 20th Anniversary

In 2003, François-Paul Journe made a pioneering move by opening the first watch boutique under a brand’s own name in Aoyama, Tokyo, deviating from the conventional watch distribution network that heavily relied on retailers. This strategic placement in the culturally rich Omotesando district, near the Nezu Museum, marked the beginning of a significant expansion of F.P. Journe’s presence on the global stage. The boutique, initially set on the first floor of the ‘La Collezione’ building designed by the esteemed Tadao Ando, expanded its area to 300 square meters in 2004 after installing a grand double staircase that connected it to the ground floor.

To commemorate the boutique’s significant milestones and to honour the loyalty of its patrons, François-Paul Journe launched the Tokyo Boutique Anniversaire Series. This series included limited editions of some of the brand’s most iconic models, each specially crafted with unique features. It started in 2005 with the Chronomètre Souverain, limited to 20 pieces, which featured a polished Titanium case, an 18K 6N Gold crown, and a ruthenium dial. This series was followed by other limited editions including the Chronomètre à Résonance, the Tourbillon Souverain, the Octa Perpétuelle, and the Centigraphe Souverain, celebrating the tenth anniversary of each of its boutiques with 80 pieces.

To mark 20 years of its first boutique, and also 20 years of limited editions, F.P. Journe has created its final limited edition of any sort. Limited to 200 pieces, the F.P. Journe Chronographe FB is a flyback chronograph with big date that’s powered by the manual wind cal. 1518.2. Like past boutique anniversary editions, this has a titanium case with pink gold accents. The Chronographe FB features a 40 mm polished Titanium case, 18K 6N Gold crown and pushers, and a dial of ruthenium on Gold. The sapphire counters and a burgundy alligator leather strap complemented by an 18K 6N Gold folding clasp further accentuate its luxurious design.

This model is powered by the new Calibre 1518.2, which includes a “fly-back” function, allowing the wearer to reset and restart the chronograph instantly with a single press of the pusher at 4 o’clock—ideal for timing consecutive events. The tachymeter scale, used for calculating speed over a distance of 1000 meters, is another prominent feature, with the chronograph seconds hand completing one full revolution every two minutes. The minute counter at 3 o’clock advances every two minutes, providing precise measurement increments, while the large date display at 6 o’clock enhances legibility.