The F.P. Journe Centigraphe Sport was exclusively produced between 2011 and 2014 in an ultra-light, 55 gram, aluminium case. It speaks very much to François-Paul’s meticulous approach to complications, both technically and design wise. Its 42mm sports case is made particularly distinctive through a patented chronograph ‘rocker’, as opposed to the more traditional chronograph ‘pushers’. This, in addition to the slim, rubberised rope-like patterned crown renders the piece, visually, quite unlike any other.

To the left hand side, the case further features a rubberised edging, offering increased durability. The aluminium dial is matte-finished in contrasting dark grey, with classic F.P Journe numerals. The signature handset is modified for the ‘Linesport’ collection to improve readability. This required the addition of luminous material to the hour and minute hand.

The words ‘Invenit et Fecit’ are inscribed beside the subsidiary counter at 6 o’clock (Latin for “Invented and Made”) in classic F.P Journe style - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. To the left of the dial, the 100th of a second-hand revolves around the sub-counter in one second (ticking six times), on a scale marked in hundredths of a second. The subsidiary-hand at 2 o’clock revolves once every twenty seconds, with the scale divided into each passing second. The third sub-dial, at the 6 o’clock position, is graduated for 10 minutes.

The tachymeter scale converts time units for 1 kilometre into speeds ranging from 6 km/h —walking pace — to 36,000 km/h, well above the escape velocity of a rocket going into low-level orbit. Each subsidiary dial displays the time scale in red and is marked at the centre ‘S’ or ‘M’ - ‘PR’, abbreviating ‘seconds’ or ‘minutes’, per revolution.

An intuitive feature of the 100th of a second counter is that it may be stopped anywhere along its one-second revolution around the dial, even between two 100th of a second divisions, enabling a fractional reading. This is achieved by vertically disengaging the pinion of the 100th of a second hand, from that of the escapement. Overall, the complication is highly-fitting for a sports watch, with the dial arrangement highly legible.

The ‘Centigraphe Sport’ adorned the wrist of French Formula One legend Jean Alesi, during his career-first ‘indy500’ motorsport race in 2012, in collaboration with Lotus. The colours of F. P Journe’s emblazoned the competing black and gold lotus dallara, in celebration of both Lotus and F.P. Journe’s common values – “philosophy of excellence, sense of innovation, performance and lightness, through the use of aluminium”. Ergonomic craftsmanship combined with haute production.

This manually-wound F.P. Journe caliber 1506 movement is manufactured entirely from aluminium alloy. It is constructed with 50 jewels, and features an in-line lever escapement, 15-tooth escape wheel and free-sprung balance - adjustable on four inertia weights, with a self-compensating Anachron balance-spring. The barrel features a maintaining power system in order to ensure driving force does not decrease during winding. The mainspring supplies a minimum of 80 hours power reserve without the chronograph running, and 24 hours with operation.

The bracelet and folding clasp of this Centigraphe Sport incorporates a rubber coating, much like the outer-case band, with the clasp engraved with the F. P Journe signature. The clasp additionally offers an adjustment system of a half link size (4mm approx.). At just 11.6mm high, and 55 grams in weight, the Centigraphe Sport make for an elegant profile on the wrist, something absent in most sports watches.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	F. P. Journe
Model:	Centigraphe Sport - 072-CTS
Movement:	Mechanical Manual-winding Cal. 1506
Functions:	Chronograph, Hours, Minutes
Features:	Aluminium Movement, 100th/Sec Counter
Case:	42 mm Aluminium
Crystal:	Sapphire Front and Back
Bracelet:	F. P Journe Aluminium
Lug/buckle width:	20mm/19mm
Year:	Circa 2011
Box & papers:	Original Box and Operating Manual