François-Paul Journe first conceived of the concept for the Chronomètre Optimum in 2001. Designed with the aim to reduce internal friction, the Chronomètre Optimum shares the double barrels of its predecessor, the Chronomètre Souverain. The remontoir d'egalité system, seen in the earlier Tourbillon Souverain, ensures that the force generated by the double barrels remains balanced throughout the mechanism of the movement.

In addition to the remontoir, the Chronomètre Optimum features a newly-designed escapement which Journe patented as the "EBHP direct impulse escapement." The High-Performance Bi-Axial Escapement features two wheels and functions without oil or lubricant, a traditional method first employed in escapements from the 18th-century. As a result, the EBHP divides the pressure of the escapement wheels, giving it a 50-hour power reserve.