Before taking a closer look at the first model in this new column, we should perhaps define what it is all about. As watchmakers, we naturally tend to be fascinated by products stemming from the technical virtuosity of the most skilled artisans. This column does not tend to adopt an elitist approach and will not confine itself to such topics. The primary consideration must be to take account of the broadest spectrum of needs and expectations in terms of watchmaking. In this column, I will thus present a wide range of watches, which in my view offer legitimate interest in watchmaking terms according to the requirements of the wrists for which they are intended.
While this first choice of model undoubtedly ranks in the highest category in terms of wearable mechanical horology, the spirit that guided its conception embodies the philosophy of this article. The Grande Sonnerie or grand strike mechanism is undoubtedly one of the complications requiring the highest level of know-how and dexterity. The principle behind it is that the watch strikes the numbers of hours elapsed and the quarters automatically or “in passing” (like a church bell) on two gongs when it is in grand strike mode, and only the quarters in passing when in small strike model. On request, it also strikes the hours, quarters and minutes (like a minute repeater), and any striking mode may be shifted to silent model. The complexity of these various mechanically applied functions is extreme and requires both caution and method in actual use. For example, setting the time on the watch while it is striking will systematically upset the striking mechanism and may even break it. Thus, in terms of the excellence required to create such movements and the high rate of return to after-sales service workshops due to the difficulty in using them, only a handful of Manufactures offer such Grande Sonnerie calibres
The birth of the Grande Sonnerie Souveraine doubtless owes much to the consistency applied by François-Paul Journe to the development and production of his watches. This new creation from the workshops on Plainpalais features all the endowments of a traditional grand strike model. A perfect under-dial work visible through a sapphire crystal case-back, exemplary finishing, and a crystalclear tone. But what really makes this watch an ideal candidate for this column is first and foremost the choice of case material. The undisputed positioning of the brand in the prestige segment has thus far led it to produce watches exclusively in pink gold or platinum.
But the Grande Sonnerie Souveraine is clothed in a steel case – a metal that François-Paul Journe knows extremely well, since he has just enriched a magnificent collection of steel watches and published a book on the topic, which I can sincerely recommend to connoisseurs of fine watchmaking. Steel was a natural choice for François-Paul Journe owing to its acoustic qualities that are undeniably superior to those of gold or platinum. In this particular case, I can assure you the result is truly… striking!
But the real stroke of genius, illustrated by the ten patents protecting the mechanism of this new Souveraine, lies in the fact that François-Paul Journe has developed systems that both facilitate its use and contribute to rendering it far more secure than its counterparts. For example, the winding-stem is locked when the striking mechanism is in operation. That makes it possible to wear such a horological wonder – generally taken out on only very rare occasions – without living in fear of its imminent return to the watchamker’s bench.
In addition to its sound, the Grande Sonnerie Souveraine offers admirers an animated show on the dial side through an aperture revealing the hammers of the striking mechanism, while the sapphire crystal caseback displays the enchanting dance of the cams and racks moving over the bridges tastefully decorated with concentric Côtes de Genève.
With the innovations featured in this Grande Sonnerie Souveraine, this type of movement has taken a major step that had always been necessary and is liable to appeal to all seasoned collectors and connoisseurs of authentic prestige watchmaking.
To supply energy to Calibre 1505, François-Paul Journe has opted for a single barrel providing force used jointly for the analog time indication and for the striking mechanism. This proved the best option in light of the available space and the chosen mainspring torque. Nonetheless, the striking mode selected makes a considerable difference to the overall power reserve of the watch. In “silence” model, Calibre 1505 builds up a power reserve of 120 hours. Some of the patents filed for this concept cover the clever mechanism which, after 48 hours of operation in “Grande Sonnerie” or grand strike mode, lock the striking mechanism which is thus deactivated, thereby guaranteeing a further 24-hour power reserve in silence mode. The amount of energy required to develop and produce such a system gives an idea of the excellence instilled by this watchmaking in each of his creations.
The other feature for which patents have been filed and which also represents a fundamental breakthrough in striking watches is the double time-setting and striking locking system referred to above. When the striking mechanism is in operation, a bolt locks the windingstem, preventing any attempt to set the time during this period and the regrettable ensuing consequences. In the opposite way, when the striking mechanism is disengaged while the user is setting the time on which watch. It is worth noting that it is possible to perform a time correction by turning the hands in either direction – a first for this complication.
Finally, purists will appreciate the choice of a high inertia balance oscillating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, which can be seen and felt beating while guaranteeing chronometric precision.
Setting the final touch of refinement to this accomplishment, the culmination of 6 years of research and development (!), none of the watches are numbered; instead, the case-back of each is delicately engraved with the name of its lucky future owner!
