Hello, today I want to introduce you to a young Swiss brand that I had the opportunity to discover by visiting their workshop in Choulex, in the suburbs of Geneva, Switzerland. This is the brand Fleury Manufacture. Before presenting their second model, let me shed some light on its founder and this brand.
Fleury Manufacture SA was founded in 2017 by Jean-Marc Fleury. With over 30 years of experience in watchmaking, he is also the founder of Suisse Précision Composants, a separate company that produces meticulously crafted components in small series, primarily aimed at independent watchmakers.
Driven by an innate passion for the craft, Jean-Marc Fleury naturally turned towards creating his own movements and timepieces. Fleury Manufacture SA embodies integrity, positivity, and respect for the artisanal traditions of Geneva. Having launched in 2020 the FM01, their first in-house designed manual winding movement made from a recyclable zinc alloy, they return this year with a new ambition, the Chronograph FXR-4. Now, let’s look at this watch entirely made in-house, except for a few parts like the sapphire crystal.
What are the characteristics of the Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4?
Case
The Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4 features a case made from high-quality recycled steel 1.4441. Well-crafted, it measures 40 mm in diameter and 12.8 mm in thickness, which is very reasonable for this type of complication.
Dial
The Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4 boasts a well-proportioned brass satin dial with horizontal brushing for most parts and circular brushing for the recessed registers. With its modern look, this dial features applied geometric indices in polished black steel, a minute counter for the chronograph at 3 o’clock, a small seconds counter for the movement at 9 o’clock, and a date indicator at 6 o’clock. Additionally, it offers a distinct day and night display at 6 o’clock.
Movement
The Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4 houses the mechanical manual winding movement, the FM04. It is a derivative of one of the finest calibers of all time: the Lemania 2310. It is a traditional combination of column wheel and horizontal clutch. Retaining its overall architecture, the FM04 includes numerous modifications such as the chronograph lever, larger dimensions, and slightly more spaced counters. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), the caliber features a lift angle of 50° optimizing the mechanism’s performance, ensuring precision. As a result, we find a reinforced power reserve here, reaching a comfortable autonomy of 65 hours. The display has also been updated with a date and day-night indicator.
Strap
The Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4 comes with a strap made by the Atelier du Bracelet in Geneva. It is composed of both nylon and French calf leather for a rather pleasant comfort.
How much does the Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4?
The Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4 is available on order with a lead time of 8 to 10 months. It is offered in a limited edition of 11 pieces per material. It is sold in the steel version at the price of 91,000 CHF (Excluding VAT).
Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4: An Artisanal Chronograph
The Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4 is ultimately a superb chronograph that adopts iconic codes while adding a touch of modernity. What I appreciate beyond the design is the approach of this brand. Indeed, they offer watches made in respect of the artisanal traditions of Geneva watchmaking and the people who contribute to it. With the purchase of their calibers and watches, a percentage is donated to Pro-Natura, a nature protection association in Geneva, whose aim is to protect and improve the natural diversity of animals, plants, and their habitats. Another important point to highlight is that this manufacture produces its watches and movements in small series. It is therefore possible to customize them, including the movement’s decoration. I wanted to thank Jean-Marc for this exchange and his explanations, which allowed me to better understand the philosophy of this timepiece.
Fleury Manufacture Chronograph FXR-4 – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Fleury Manufacture
- Model: Chronograph FXR-4
- Case Material: Recycled Stainless Steel
- Dial: Satin-Brushed (horizontal) Brass – Satin-Brushed (circular) Registers with Steel Rings
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph, Pointer Date and Day/Night Indicator
- Movement: FM04 – Lemania 2310 recreation, Manual-Winding Mechanical, 21’600vph frequency (3 Hz), 23 jewels
- Power Reserve: 65 hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case Back: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 40 mm (Diameter) × 12.8mm (Thickness)
- Lug to lug: 49.5mm
- Strap: Calf with Pin Buckle
- Availability : Limited Editions of 11 Pieces
- Retail Price: CHF 54’800 (Excluding VAT)
Did you know about this brand? What do you think of this model? Give me your feedback in the comment section.
For more information about Fleury Manufacture, click here.
