Chronode & Jean-François Mojon

Sometimes the biggest things start in the smallest ways.

While working on the initial design sketches for the Series 1, our founder Thomas Fleming knew he needed to find the right partner to create a special movement for this watch. Keeping with the brand’s philosophy of complete integration between dial, case, and movement, this couldn’t just be an off-the-shelf purchase, even if it was a high-end one. It needed to be something unique, created specifically for the Series 1, to be the core around which everything else could be built.

So he sent an email.

When it comes to independent movement development, Mojon is as good as it gets. He founded Chronode in 2005 specifically to develop high-end movements and complications for watch brands around the world. He’s won Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards, worked with many of the watch world’s top brands, and created new complications from scratch. He’s an expert engineer with a creative spirit and a kind, humanistic approach to watchmaking. Simply put, he’s an ideal partner for a brand like Fleming.

After a few initial discussions, Mojon came onboard and the movement that resulted is the Caliber FM-01. We knew from the beginning that we wanted a slim, hand-wound movement with a seven-day power reserve, reliable performance, and a sub-4mm thickness (allowing us to keep the final watch thin as well). That’s no small task.

Mojon embraced the challenge though, working hand-in-hand with Thomas to design the right movement and then to find the right suppliers and partners to help Chronode achieve its goal. Along the way, Mojon introduced some ideas of his own, too. We wanted to keep the dial to just three hands, but Mojon had the great idea to add a power reserve indicator to the movement. It’s a visual flourish that nods to a technical achievement – exactly Mojon’s style.

Making a watch is never a straightforward exercise. There are always bumps and turns along the way, and having the right partners is crucial to navigating the journey safely. When components just aren’t fitting together properly, finishes don’t look the way you imagined, or timelines get crossed, you need people who can find solutions with a smile, always with the goal of delivering the absolute best watch possible. Sometimes that means making their own lives more difficult or pushing beyond their own boundaries. Fortunately Mojon and Chronode are just that kind of partner.

The FM-01 is just the start though. For the Series 1 Mark II, we worked together to evolve this movement, creating the FM-02. Utilizing the same architecture, we wanted to push ourselves in new directions creatively, reimagining every component with new finishes and details. The watchmakers’ eyes might have widened a bit when they realized that meant sharply polishing 189 interior angles per caliber, but there was never a question that it was the right thing to do.

As we continue to grow Fleming and to chart new territory, having a partner like Chronode is absolutely critical. It offers us an unmatched technical foundation and well of horological creativity, all backed by years of experience and execution. Jean-François and his team are an integral part of the Fleming story – and will be for years to come.