Meet F.P. Journe’s First Classic Chronograph And There’s Only One

One watch. One auction. One very worthy cause. François-Paul Journe and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco have unveiled a spectacular one-off chronograph created exclusively to benefit the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Presented at the Riva Aquarama Lounge of the Yacht Club de Monaco, this is the kind of F.P. Journe that collectors will be talking about long after the gavel falls not least because it is the first classic chronograph François-Paul Journe has ever created.

A First For F.P. Journe

Journe is certainly no stranger to chronographs. His repertoire already includes the Rattrapante, FlyBack and Centigraphe, but this watch takes a decidedly more traditional route. To know why F.P.Journe prices sky rocket click here. There is a central chronograph seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a tachymeter scale, while small seconds sit at 9 o’clock and a large date takes centre stage at 6 o’clock. Familiar? Yes. Typical Journe? Not quite.

And then comes the colour. The 42mm two-tone case pairs platinum with 18K 6N gold for the caseband, crown and pushers, while the burgundy lacquered dial turns up the drama. Its numerals draw inspiration from oracle bones considered the earliest form of Chinese writing creating an unexpected meeting point between ancient history and contemporary Swiss watchmaking.

The details are deliciously unusual, too. A whitened-silver tachymeter scale sits against the burgundy dial, while grey sapphire chronograph counters are framed by titanium surrounds. The large date aperture is executed in sandblasted white gold, and the steel hands combine matt rhodium plating with ivory and red lacquer. Flip the watch over and there is no mistaking its purpose: “Fondation Albert II – 2026” is engraved across the caseback.

The Real Catch? There’s Only One

This isn't simply another complicated Journe destined for a collector's safe. It is a watch with a mission. F.P. Journe has supported the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation since 2018, and this unique chronograph has been created to continue that relationship while raising funds for the Foundation's environmental work.

Established in 2006 by Prince Albert II, the Foundation focuses on some of the planet's biggest challenges, from climate change and renewable energy to biodiversity, water resources and desertification across vulnerable regions.

Now comes the fun part. You can't simply walk into an F.P. Journe boutique and ask for one. The watch will go under the hammer with Phillips on 25 November 2026, during the “Voyage Extraordinaire” gala dinner at Raffles Sentosa Singapore, marking the Foundation's 20th anniversary. And because this is a charity auction, every penny from the sale will go towards the Foundation.

For collectors, it is a rare chance to own a genuine F.P. Journe first: a classic chronograph that exists in a single example. For everyone else, it is a reminder that sometimes the most interesting watches aren't made to be bought, they're made to make a difference.

To know which F.P.Journe watch broke records at auction click here.

SEO FAQs

1. What is special about the F.P. Journe Chronographe Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco?
It is F.P. Journe’s first classic chronograph and a unique one-of-one piece, featuring a 42mm platinum and 18K 6N gold case with a distinctive burgundy lacquered dial.

2. What movement does the F.P. Journe unique chronograph use?
The watch is powered by the manually wound F.P. Journe Calibre 1518.3, offering an 80-hour power reserve and a traditional chronograph display.

3. When will the F.P. Journe Fondation Prince Albert II chronograph be auctioned?
The unique F.P. Journe chronograph will be auctioned by Phillips on 25 November 2026 in Singapore, with all proceeds going to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.