In Focus: F.P. Journe CT2RG Centigraphe

An unwritten rule of the watch world is that a chronograph requires some motorsport heritage to be a bona fide “racing chronograph.” The <a href="https://www.thewatchbox.com/watches/f-p--journe/?srule=best-matches&fn1=complication&fv1=chronograph">F.P. Journe Centigraphe</a> is no exception, but it backs the technical watchmaking prowess of Fançois-Paul Journe with a genuine motorsport pedigree.
The Centigraphe is the result of a failed attempt by Journe to create a chronograph in the 1990’s. Several years later, an encounter with Jean Todt, then head of Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari’s racing division, led to the revival of this idea, as the pair discussed the ideal chronograph for motorsports. The Centigraphe was worn racing by Jean Alesi in the Indy 500, and F.P. Journe also sponsored Alesi’s son, Giuliano, in GP3, conferring the Centigraphe’s true motorsport lineage.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1163958" src="https://watchbox-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Crown-detail-of-the-F.P.-Journe-Linesport-Centigraphe_2.jpg?max-w=1024&q=50&auto=format,compress&usm=10&usmrad=3" alt="Crown detail of the F.P. Journe Linesport Centigraphe_2" width="1200" height="800" />
As the name suggests, the Centigraphe times to the 100th of a second. The 100th of a second hand moves so quickly when activated that it is hard to believe that this watch is actually mechanical. One of the most unique features of the Centigraphe is that it can read speeds between 6 km/h to 36,000 km/h, the speed of a rocket leaving orbit.
The Centigraphe has received two patents, one for power management and the other for the innovative rocker switch to activate and reset the chronograph. Journe also won the Aiguille d’Or award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2008 for the Centigraphe Souverain.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1163962" src="https://watchbox-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/F.P.-Journe-Linesport-Centigraphe-Rose-Gold-Luxury-Sports-Watch.jpg?max-w=1024&q=50&auto=format,compress&usm=10&usmrad=3" alt="F.P. Journe Linesport Centigraphe Rose Gold Luxury Sports Watch" width="1200" height="800" />
Of the Centigraphe iterations from the <a href="https://www.thewatchbox.com/watches/f-p--journe/f-p--journe-linesport/">LineSport</a> collection, the CT2RG is the ultimate luxury sports watch. The hammered finish on the case and bracelet brings a unique character to the piece, something distinctly different from a polished rose gold sports watch. The texture offers a more subtle – and almost rugged – approach to an all-gold watch; it feels like something you actually would want to wear to play sports. Journe even upgraded the movement from the aluminum movement in Titanium CT2 to rose gold, matching the case and bracelet and giving the watch a wonderful wrist presence.
François-Paul Journe may be better known for his tourbillon, the Chronomètre à Résonance, or early brass movement pieces, but it does not get much better than the Centigraphe, especially in 18k 6N rose gold. The watch is delightfully heavy and features a movement that could make any watchmaker jealous. With a heritage in modern motorsport, a beautiful and innovative finish, and the watchmaking of F.P. Journe, the Centigraphe CT2RG a triumph of modern horology.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1163959" src="https://watchbox-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/F.P.-Journe-Linesport-Centigraphe-dial-details.jpg?max-w=1024&q=50&auto=format,compress&usm=10&usmrad=3" alt="F.P. Journe Linesport Centigraphe dial details" width="1200" height="800" />
<h3>The Specs</h3>
Model: F.P. Journe Linesport Centigraphe
Reference Number: CT2 RG BR
Case Size + Material: 44mm case in 18k rose gold
Caseback: Exhibition caseback
Movement: Manually-wound mechanical movement
Functions:  Hours, minutes, 1/100th of a second chronograph with a one-second register, a 20-second register, and a 10-minute register
Strap/Bracelet: 18k rose gold bracelet

F.P. Journe

Written By

Todd Searle

View More Articles

WatchBox - Collecting Together

Official App

Recent Searches

Popular Searches

In Focus: F.P. Journe CT2RG Centigraphe

Todd Searle

WatchBox - Collecting Together

Official App

SHOP BY CATEGORY

Featured Collections

BRANDS A-Z

Featured Brands

Featured Stories

A Watch A Week

Featured Playlists

Recent Searches

Popular Searches

Todd Searle

Related products

Related articles