François-Paul Journe returns to the chronograph, but this time in its most classic form. The new Chronographe Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco is a unique piece with a 42 mm platinum and 6N gold case, a burgundy dial, and Caliber 1518.3. It will be auctioned by Phillips on November 25th in Singapore.
François-Paul Journe and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco unveiled today, September 7, at the Riva Aquarama Lounge at the Yacht Club de Monaco, a new one-of-a-kind piece created to benefit the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
A watch that takes on a special significance in the production of the Geneva-based Maison. After having interpreted the chronograph through the Rattrapante , the Flyback and the Centigraphe , for the first time François-Paul Journe has created what the Maison itself defines as a “classic chronograph”.
A seemingly simple definition, yet significant for a watchmaker who has often approached traditional complications in a decidedly personal way.
A classic chronograph, according to François-Paul Journe
The display layout is extremely legible. The hours, minutes, and chronograph hands are located in the center; the 30-minute chronograph counter is located at 3 o'clock, while the small seconds are at 9 o'clock . The large date display completes the composition at 6 o'clock.
A tachometric scale runs along the edge of the dial. The chronograph is controlled via two traditional pushers: start/stop at 2 o'clock and reset at 4 o'clock , while the crown has three positions dedicated respectively to winding, setting the date, and setting the time.
Powering the watch is the Caliber 1518.3 , a hand-wound movement crafted from 18-karat rose gold . It measures 33,60 mm in diameter and is just 5,90 mm thick. The balance wheel operates at a relatively classic frequency of 21.600 vibrations per hour, or 3 Hz.
The power reserve reaches 80 ± 2 hours . The movement is composed of 246 parts and 26 jewels , while the entire watch, once mounted on the leather strap, reaches 303 components.
The Calibre 1518.3
Interestingly, Journe didn't develop a completely new movement for this piece, but instead worked on the 1518 , a family of calibers already associated with the Maison's chronograph history. In this configuration, the movement forgoes the split-seconds function to embrace the more traditional layout announced by the Maison.
Through the sapphire crystal case back, one can observe a movement that maintains the aesthetic language typical of FP Journe: partially circular-grained plate, bridges decorated with circular Côtes de Genève , polished screw heads with chamfered notches and steel components with polished chamfers and drawn surfaces.
Platinum and 6N gold for the 42 mm case
The case also underscores the watch's exceptional character. With a diameter of 42 mm and an overall thickness of 10,40 mm , it features a two-tone construction combining platinum and 18-carat 6N gold. The latter is used for the caseband, crown, and pushers, creating a particularly striking contrast when viewed from the front. The inscription "Fondation Albert II – 2026" is engraved on the case back.
The folding clasp is also made of 18K 6N gold.
A burgundy dial rich in details
It is probably the dial that gives this unique piece its most immediately recognizable identity.
The burgundy lacquered base is accompanied by numerals inspired by inscriptions on the so-called oracle bones , considered the oldest known form of Chinese writing. The two counters are made of gray sapphire with titanium surrounds , leaving the underlying mechanism partially visible.
The tachometric scale is crafted from bleached silver , while the large date aperture uses sandblasted white gold. The steel hands feature a matte rhodium finish and combine ivory-colored and red lacquered details.
The result is unmistakably FP Journe, yet decidedly different from the chronographs we are used to associating with the Maison.
FP Journe and the Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation
The collaboration between FP Journe and the Fondation dates back to 2018.
Established in 2006 by Prince Albert II, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. Its main areas of intervention include addressing the effects of climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity protection, water management, and combating desertification.
The new Chronographe continues a collaboration that has now lasted eight years, but takes on further importance because it coincides with the twentieth anniversary of the Foundation.
Up for auction at Phillips on November 25
The Chronographe Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco will be auctioned in collaboration with Phillips on 25 November 2026 , during the Voyage Extraordinaire gala dinner at Raffles Sentosa Singapore.
All proceeds from the sale will go to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The auction result will inevitably be one of the most closely watched aspects of the work by collectors. But beyond the price it will fetch in Singapore, this unique piece reveals something particularly interesting about François-Paul Journe's career.
After the Rattrapante, Flyback, and Centigraphe, Journe has chosen to tackle the chronograph in its most traditional form. And it is perhaps this very detail that makes the Chronographe Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco one of the most interesting FP Journe watches ever.
Essential technical data
FP Journe Chronographe Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco – Unique Piece
Case: platinum and 18K 6N gold
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 10,40 mm
Movement: Caliber 1518.3, manual winding, 18K rose gold
Frequency: 21.600 A/h (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 ± 2 hours
Rubies: 26
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, 30-minute chronograph, large date, tachymeter
Dial: lacquered burgundy, grey sapphire counters
Clasp: 18K 6N gold folding clasp
Single piece
Auction: November 25, 2026, Singapore, in collaboration with Phillips.
