F.P. Journe Centigraphe Sport Aluminium CTS 42mm Chronograph

The F.P. Journe Centigraphe Sport Aluminium Ref. CTS was created as the first model of the Maison’s lineSport collection, a series conceived specifically around extreme lightness and sporting performance. Produced between 2011 and 2014, this pioneering chronograph features an aluminium-alloy case measuring 42mm in diameter and 11.6mm in overall height, complemented by an aluminium bracelet with rubber inserts. The use of aluminium throughout the case, bracelet, and movement creates an exceptionally lightweight construction while preserving the distinctive technical character of the Centigraphe.

At the heart of the watch is the manually wound Calibre 1506, constructed entirely from aluminium alloy for this Sport Aluminium version. The movement measures 34.40mm in diameter and just 5.60mm in height, operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Its free-sprung balance uses four adjustable inertia weights and an Anachron balance spring, while the in-line lever escapement incorporates a 15-tooth escape wheel. The movement is finished with circular stripes on the bridges, circular graining on the baseplate, polished screw heads with chamfered slots, and straight-grained steel components.

The Centigraphe’s innovative chronograph architecture allows elapsed times from 1/100th of a second to 10 minutes to be read across three separate counters. The one-second counter is positioned at 10 o’clock, the 20-second counter at 2 o’clock, and the 10-minute counter at 6 o’clock. Each counter incorporates a red time scale and black tachometer scale, allowing speeds ranging from 6 km/h to an extraordinary 36,000 km/h to be calculated over a distance of one kilometre. The separate chronograph train is driven directly from the mainspring, while the chronograph mechanism is isolated from the timekeeping function, helping preserve the amplitude of the balance when the chronograph is operating.

The aluminium alloy and sapphire dial features applied luminous indexes and numerals, complemented by luminous steel hands and red lacquered titanium chronograph hands. The movement provides approximately 80 ± 2 hours of autonomy with the chronograph stopped and approximately 24 ± 2 hours while the chronograph is running. Combining pioneering lightweight construction, patented chronograph architecture, exceptional precision, and the unmistakable design language of F.P. Journe, the Centigraphe Sport Aluminium is a highly distinctive collector’s timepiece and an important chapter in the development of the Maison’s lineSport collection.