{"query": "Chronomètre Bleu", "brand": null, "total": 10, "limit": 10, "matches": [{"slug": "fp-journe-chronometre-bleu-tantalum", "brand": "F.P. Journe", "ref": "Chronomètre Bleu", "model": "Chronomètre Bleu", "case_material": "Tantalum", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/fp-journe-chronometre-bleu-tantalum", "description": "The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu was introduced in 2009 and remains in the current catalog, though annual production is limited to approximately 100 to 150 units. Collectors prioritize this reference for its 39mm case made of tantalum, a rare, dense, and hard-to-machine refractory metal with a distinct blue-grey hue. The watch features the manual-wind Calibre 1304, constructed from 18k rose gold, and a chrome-blue dial achieved through multiple layers of lacquer and polishing. While its original retail price was under $30,000, secondary market values currently fluctuate between $70,000 and $95,000 depending on condition and provenance. A notable production detail is the variation in dial shades over time, with earlier \"flat\" dials often commanding a premium. In 2021, a unique \"Byblos\" edition of this model, featuring an open-worked dial, reached approximately $650,000 at auction, highlighting the reference's high demand.", "score": 234}, {"slug": "f-p-journe-2-574cb", "brand": "F.P. Journe", "ref": "2-574CB", "model": "Chronomètre Bleu", "case_material": "Tantalum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/f-p-journe-2-574cb", "description": "The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu reference 2-574CB entered production in 2009 and remains in the current catalog, though annual output is strictly limited. Collectors prioritize this model for its 39mm case constructed from tantalum, a rare, dense, and hard-to-machine gray metal with blue overtones. The dial features a distinct chrome-blue finish achieved through multiple layers of lacquer and polishing. It houses the manual-wind caliber 1304, a movement manufactured from 18-karat rose gold featuring twin barrels and a 56-hour power reserve. While the original retail price was under $30,000, secondary market values currently fluctuate in the low-to-mid six-figure range, typically between $140,000 and $180,000 depending on condition and provenance. A notable production detail is the movement's \"suspended\" wheel train, which creates a visual gap between the balance wheel and the power source. In 2023, examples with early \"Byblos\" style characteristics have commanded significant premiums at auction.", "score": 98}, {"slug": "f-p-journe-255-cb", "brand": "F.P. Journe", "ref": "255-CB", "model": "Chronomètre Bleu", "case_material": "Tantalum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/f-p-journe-255-cb", "description": "The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu (Reference CB) entered production in 2009 and remains a catalog piece, though annual output is strictly limited. Collectors prioritize this reference for its 39mm case constructed from tantalum, a rare, dense, and hard-to-machine refractory metal with a distinct blue-grey luster. It houses the manual-wind Calibre 1304, a movement manufactured from 18k rose gold featuring twin barrels and a 56-hour power reserve. The dial is characterized by a chrome-blue finish achieved through multiple layers of lacquer and polishing, paired with cream-colored Arabic numerals and tapered hands. While the original retail price was approximately $20,000, secondary market values currently fluctuate between $75,000 and $100,000. A notable production detail is the \"Byblos\" limited edition of 50 pieces, which features an open-worked dial and was released in 2014 to commemorate the opening of the Beirut boutique.", "score": 98}, {"slug": "f-p-journe-352-cb", "brand": "F.P. Journe", "ref": "352-CB", "model": "Chronomètre Bleu", "case_material": "Tantalum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/f-p-journe-352-cb", "description": "The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu (Reference CB) entered production in 2009 and remains in the current catalog, though annual output is restricted by the difficulty of machining its 39mm tantalum case. Collectors prioritize this reference for its 18k rose gold Calibre 1304 movement and its multi-layered chrome blue lacquer dial, which transitions through various shades depending on light exposure. The use of tantalum, a rare and dense refractory metal with a blue-grey hue, distinguishes it from standard precious metal offerings. On the secondary market, prices typically range from $75,000 to $100,000, representing a significant premium over its retail price. While the standard model features Arabic numerals, early examples are noted for subtle variations in dial printing thickness. In 2019, a unique prototype version featuring a mauve dial sold at auction for 1.8 million CHF, highlighting the reference's high ceiling for rarity.", "score": 98}, {"slug": "akrivia-chronometre-contemporain-platinum", "brand": "Akrivia", "ref": "RRCC1", "model": "Chronomètre Contemporain", "case_material": "Platinum", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/akrivia-chronometre-contemporain-platinum", "description": "The Akrivia Chronomètre Contemporain RRCC1 in platinum was produced between 2018 and approximately 2021 as part of a limited run of 25 pieces. Collectors prioritize this reference for its hand-finished Calibre RR01, which features a symmetrical architecture, a hacking seconds mechanism with zero-reset, and a 100-hour power reserve. The platinum version is distinguished by its black grand feu enamel dial with a matte-finished sub-seconds register and a 38mm case handcrafted by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, denoted by his \"JPH\" hallmark on the lug. As the first watch released under Rexhep Rexhepi’s name rather than the Akrivia brand, it represents a pivotal shift toward traditional classical aesthetics. On the secondary market, these timepieces typically command prices in the mid-to-high six-figure range. A notable public sale occurred at Phillips in 2023, where a platinum RRCC1 achieved a hammer price exceeding $900,000.", "score": 40}, {"slug": "fp-journe-chronometre-souverain", "brand": "F.P. Journe", "ref": "CS", "model": "Chronomètre Souverain", "case_material": "Platinum", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/fp-journe-chronometre-souverain", "description": "The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain (CS) in platinum was introduced in 2005 and remains in production, though annual output is limited. Collectors prioritize this reference for the manual-wind Calibre 1304, which is constructed from 18k rose gold and features a double-barrel architecture providing a 56-hour power reserve. The 40mm or 38mm platinum case houses a silver dial with guilloché patterns and a distinct sub-seconds display located between 7 and 8 o’clock. This model is historically significant as it won the Men’s Watch Prize at the 2005 GPHG. On the secondary market, the platinum CS typically trades in the $75,000 to $110,000 range depending on the case size and dial configuration. A notable variant is the early 38mm execution, which commands a premium due to its proximity to the original design specifications and lower production numbers compared to the 40mm version.", "score": 40}, {"slug": "jaeger-lecoultre-e168", "brand": "Jaeger-LeCoultre", "ref": "E168", "model": "Chronomètre Geophysic", "case_material": "Stainless Steel", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/jaeger-lecoultre-e168", "description": "The Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronomètre Geophysic E168 was produced in 1958 to commemorate the International Geophysical Year and the brand’s 125th anniversary. Collectors value this reference for its chronometer-certified Calibre 478BWSbr movement, which features a hacking seconds mechanism, a Glucydur balance, and a swan-neck regulator. The 35mm stainless steel case includes an inner soft-iron cage for anti-magnetic protection up to 600 gauss. Production was limited, with approximately 1,038 steel units manufactured. The dial typically features luminous plots on the inner bezel or \"crosshair\" markings, though variations exist. On the secondary market, these watches generally trade in the $20,000 to $40,000 range depending on condition and dial configuration. A notable variant is the \"Publicité\" dial, which lacks the Geophysic branding, while a well-preserved example reached approximately $67,000 at a 2017 Phillips auction, reflecting the premium placed on original luminous material.", "score": 28}, {"slug": "bovet-recital", "brand": "Bovet", "ref": "RECITAL", "model": "Récital 12", "case_material": "Titanium", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/bovet-recital", "description": "The Bovet Récital 12 \"Virtuoso IX\" in titanium was introduced in 2024 as a permanent addition to the Dimier collection. Collectors prioritize this reference for its manual-wind Caliber 13BM12, which features a high-efficiency single barrel providing a seven-day power reserve. The 40mm \"writing slope\" case is constructed from Grade 5 titanium, measuring 9.8mm at its thickest point to improve wearability compared to previous Récital models. The dial architecture utilizes an offset sub-dial at 3 o’clock with a circular-brushed finish, exposing the balance wheel and a power reserve indicator. On the secondary market, these timepieces typically trade in the $20,000 to $30,000 range depending on condition. A notable production detail is the inclusion of the patented triple-blade folding clasp, which allows for fine adjustments to the strap length without tools, a feature specific to this contemporary generation of Bovet sports-elegant watches.", "score": 20}, {"slug": "bovet-recital-26", "brand": "Bovet", "ref": "R260008", "model": "Récital 26 Brainstorm", "case_material": "18k Red Gold", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/bovet-recital-26", "description": "The Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One, reference R260008 in 18k red gold, was introduced in 2019 as a limited production model. Collectors prioritize this reference for its \"writing slope\" case design, which is tapered to optimize visibility of the movement from multiple angles. It houses the manual-wind caliber 17DM04-SMP, featuring a patented double-face flying tourbillon, a three-dimensional moon phase, a big date, and a ten-day power reserve from a single barrel. The red gold variant typically features a hemispherical dial in blue quartz or green quartz. On the secondary market, this reference generally commands prices in the low-to-mid six-figure range, often between $160,000 and $220,000 depending on condition. While the Chapter One was also produced in sapphire crystal cases, the R260008 is noted for its use of precious metal in the structural frame, a departure from the fully transparent aesthetic of the initial launch.", "score": 20}, {"slug": "cartier-tank-cintree", "brand": "Cartier", "ref": "Cintrée Privée", "model": "Tank Cintrée Privée", "case_material": "18k Pink Gold", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/cartier-tank-cintree", "description": "The Cartier Tank Cintrée in 18k pink gold, reference WGTA0025, was released in 2018 as part of the Cartier Privé collection in a limited edition of 100 numbered pieces. Collectors prioritize this reference for its adherence to the 1921 original proportions, featuring a curved 46.3mm x 23mm case that is 7.2mm thick. It utilizes the manual-winding caliber 8971 MC, based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 846. The dial is finished in an eggshell tone with printed Roman numerals, a chemin de fer minute track, and blued steel hands. On the secondary market, this specific pink gold variant typically commands prices between $35,000 and $50,000 depending on provenance and condition. This release marked the revival of the Cintrée silhouette within the modern Privé line, preceding the 2021 centenary editions. Its limited production run and mechanical movement distinguish it from standard Tank models.", "score": 20}]}