WHAT IS SPECIAL
The F.P. Journe watches we know so well are often distinguished by their rose gold movements and unconventional yet distinctly classical dials. As it turns out, when Journe set out to create a sports watch, he brought just as much originality to the task.
In 2011, inspired by a collector with a passion for triathlons, Journe introduced his own collection of sports watches, the lineSport. Its inaugural model was the Centigraphe Sport. The first generation was crafted almost entirely from aluminium alloy, from the case and bracelet to the movement itself, bringing the total weight to just 55 grams. For comparison, that is roughly half the weight of a stainless steel Daytona, making it remarkably light even when worn during sports.
The watch we present today is the second-generation Centigraphe Sport, the CTS2. The aluminium case has been replaced by titanium, while the exceptionally lightweight aluminium movement remains.
Set against the grey dial, three sapphire chronograph subdials reveal the mechanical components beneath, their vivid red numerals and hands reminiscent of racing instruments. The most remarkable of these is the foudroyante hand at ten o’clock. Once the chronograph is activated, it completes a full revolution every second, allowing readings to a hundredth of a second.
Turning to the side of the case, a distinctive rocker replaces the two separate pushers found on conventional chronographs, making starting and stopping the chronograph more intuitive and convenient.
Another detail not to be overlooked is the black rubber inserts along the edges of the case and each bracelet link, inspired by the bumpers of vintage automobiles. Beyond their protective function, they accentuate the watch’s mechanical character, lending definition to its sculptural form. This feature was later discontinued, making these earlier examples all the more desirable.