HONG KONG.- Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, and F.P. Journe, legendary constructor and master watchmaker, have entered into an unprecedented collaboration to unveil the first of F.P. Journe’s new Centigraphe Sport wristwatch from its brand new “Sport Line” collection at Christie’s Hong Kong Watch Auction this Spring. This all-aluminium mechanical chronograph watch (numbered 001) will be auctioned at Christie’s Hong Kong Watch Sale on 30 May 2011 (Lot 2912A), with proceeds and buyers’ premium to be donated to the relief efforts for the recent earthquake and tsunami victims of Japan. The donation ceremony will be held at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo on 3 June 2011.

Aurel Bacs, International Head of Watches at Christie’s, said, “This collaboration is a unique event in the world of horology and watch auctions where two leaders – F.P. Journe in watch making and Christie's in the auction arena - come together and work for a good cause. It is with immense pleasure that our personal friendship and mutual esteem for each other's work have united us for this meaningful venture. We hope collectors worldwide will feel the same passion as we did when preparing for this charity auction, and we hope they will enthusiastically support this worthy cause.”

François-Paul Journe, Master watchmaker and CEO of F.P. Journe, said: “I am happy that Aurel Bacs and François Curiel have accepted, in the name of Christie’s, to auction a new watch for their marvellous May sale in Hong Kong. They didn’t hesitate a split second when I asked them, even if it meant delaying the printing of the catalogue. I will personally support and attend the sale in Hong Kong and I sincerely say thank you in the name of those who will receive the proceeds of that sale. I truly wish that bidders will have in mind the beneficiaries of the funds in the acquisition of this unveiled time piece.”

Inspiration for the Centigraphe Sport : the spirit of determination and perfection
François-Paul Journe, constructor and master watchmaker in permanent quest for precision and innovative horological mechanic discloses a new time measurement sportive and exclusive. F.P.Journe is launching the first mechanical chronograph of high horology on a wrist watch entirely in aluminium: case, bracelet and movement.

F.P.Journe has chosen the Centigraphe as first timepiece to introduce its new collection, the Sport Line. A collection of new watches of an astounding lightness, thought and conceived specifically for a proficient sportive activity, and that will include watches with manual as well as automatic winding.

This collection has been inspired by an important collector, an aficionado of F.P.Journe watches, who committed himself in numerous marathon and triathlon competitions and wished to have an ultra light sports watch, coupled with a movement of authentic high horology. With its measure of a 100th second, the Centigraphe Souverain seemed to be the perfect match to excel in his activities, where every second is counted.

F.P.Journe undertook long researches to find an ultra light and resistant material to receive his exceptional calibres ; while maintaining the standards of high horology that inhabit his everyday life. The Centigraphe Sport thus presents the very first F.P.Journe wristwatch entirely made of aluminium, in movement, case and bracelet, in the search for absolute comfort and extreme lightness. The watch in its totality only weighs 55 grams.

The passage from 18K rose gold - used for all the F.P.Journe movements - to aluminium was not without difficulty, for obvious technical reasons. F.P.Journe took his research to a higher level in an aesthetical quest to complete an appropriate contrast in colours. He also perfected different methods of special processing in order to make the aluminium scratch resistant and give it anti-corrosive and anti allergic properties.

Rubber inserts are fixed with an outstanding process to the end of each link of the aluminium bracelet, the sides of the case and the titanium crown in order to efficiently protect the watch from any chocks, just like the bumper of an ancient automobile. The folding clasp in aluminium, engraved with the F.P.Journe signature is also covered with a rubber coating. In addition, it offers an adjustment system of a half link size (4mm approx.).

Godfather of the Centigraphe Souverain, Jean Todt, remains the initiator of F.P.Journe’s engagement towards l’ICM – Institute of Brain and Spinal Cord in Paris. The Centigraphe Sport, in line with the Centigraphe Souverain, will also support the medical research carried out by the ICM. F.P.Journe will continue to commit in donating 30% of the profits from the sale of each Centigraphe Sport to the ICM with no time limit to help fight diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis…

In advance of the 30 May sale in Hong Kong, this watch will be on view in Hong Kong from 28 May to 29 May 29 morning at the Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.