The F.P.Journe Répétition Souveraine with one of the most complex dials F.P.Journe produces. Made of tinted sapphire, the dial portrays a transparent view into the mechanical wonders of the minute repeater complication. . Sapphire is one of the hardest and most resistant materials in existence, coming only second to a diamond. Its manufacture is an extremely strenuous process involving the fusion of pure aluminum oxide at a very high temperature, resulting in the creation of drops referred to as sapphire ‘pines’ or crystals. . The sapphire dial, as well as its aperture showing the perfect mirror-polished hammers have been laser-cut to the required dimensions. The traditional circular graining decoration visible on the small second and power-reserve indications have also been laser-engraved. . One of the final steps in creating the dial is hand filling the laser-engraved inscriptions, logo, and numerals with an ivory-colored varnish. . One of the more subtle, yet distinctive characteristics of the Répétition Souveraine is that it is cased in steel, chosen for its crystalline structure which gives the minute repeater a clear and amplified striking tone. An added benefit of a steel case is the timepiece becomes ultra-light compared to Platinum and Gold, making it superbly comfortable on the wrist. . The Répétition Souveraine is one of the slimmest minute repeater timepieces at only 8.8 mm in height, fully cased. The movement itself measures only 4.00 mm in height and features a flat steel gong for better clarity, as well as an inertia regulator, eliminating the “whizzing” sound associated with traditional air regulators. . #fpjourne #fpjourneofficial #repetitionsouveraine #minuterepeater #horology #watchmaking #watches