CHRONOMETRE BLEU 'BYBLOS' MODEL, NO. 64⁄99-BYBLOS, CIRCA 2014

Introduced in 2014, the Chronomètre Bleu Byblos was produced in a limited edition of only 99 examples to commemorate the opening of F.P. Journe's tenth boutique, inaugurated in Beirut. The watch takes its name from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos, located on the Lebanese coast north of Beirut and widely regarded as one of the cradles of Mediterranean civilisation. As one of the world's oldest ports and an important centre of commerce and culture, Byblos provided the perfect inspiration for this highly symbolic commemorative edition.

The present timepiece is distinguished by its extraordinary semi-skeletonized dial, representing the sun of the Orient rising over a Mediterranean blue sky while revealing the beautifully finished pink gold movement beneath. A subtle yet meaningful detail lies in the F.P. Journe signature, where the letter 'J' has been replaced by the Phoenician character Yodh, pronounced as the letter 'J'. Beyond its linguistic significance, Yodh is the tenth letter of the Phoenician alphabet, an elegant tribute to the opening of the manufacture's tenth boutique.

The case is crafted from tantalum, one of the rarest metals employed in high watchmaking. Exceptionally difficult to machine due to its remarkable hardness, tantalum is nevertheless prized for its outstanding resistance to corrosion and wear, as well as its complete biocompatibility, making it widely used in both the medical and aerospace industries. Its distinctive bluish-grey hue further complements the unique aesthetics of the Chronomètre Bleu Byblos, enhancing the exclusivity of one of the most elusive boutique editions ever produced by F.P. Journe.