F.P. Journe LINESPORT Automatique Réserve Titane

ChristianDK · 2019-09-05T11:46:14Z

ChristianDK reviews the F.P. Journe LINESPORT Automatique Réserve Titane, highlighting its new rubber-free design, titanium comfort, and 3ATM water resistance.

ChristianDK

WPS member · F.P. Journe forum

57 replies13278 views16 photos

ChristianDK offers an exclusive first look at the updated F.P. Journe LINESPORT Automatique Réserve Titane, highlighting its significant aesthetic changes. This detailed review focuses on the removal of rubber inserts from the bracelet and crown, presenting a more cohesive and refined titanium design. ChristianDK's insights provide valuable context for collectors considering this evolution of a contemporary F.P. Journe sports watch.

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I had a chance to try this piece a few days ago. The model - Automatique Titane - you probably already know it. However, you may not have seen this updated version without the rubber inserts on the bracelet. It has not yet been shown on the FPJ website and had just arrived from the Manufacture.

The aesthetic expression has changed quite a lot with the outphasing of the rubber inserts on the bracelet. I think the expression has become much more calm and more coherent. So to my taste, an improvement. Others may feel unhappy about this change, as it is always the case.

The Titanium bracelet is extremely pleasant to wear. and despite all the metal, this watch is still super light and well balanced on the wrist.

The bucle is a butterfly type with ceramic balls to secure the the click. it feels very well constructed and firm in its handling.

An other significant detail is that the former rubberclad crown has been replaced with a high polished titanium crown. I really love this detail with the polished accent against the dark titanium case.

The rubber bumper has been replaced with a piece of high polished titanium. The bumper now is conceptually a "leftover" from the former idea. It gives a very nice highlight in the dark, matte grey. It makes think of the chrome trim on an old vintage car. Not nessesary, but it pleases the eye. Of course it would never have been added if there wasn’t been a rubber bumper to begin with.

A hidden but amazing detail is the crazy construction of the bezel. The negative space has been milled out around the numbers. (quite deep - I have seen it myself) and then afterwards the bezel is filled with a black ceramic material. This is something typical of FPJ. Not a simple solution but a high quality bezel that will last a lifetime.

The movement is the tried and tested 1300.03 in the latest iteration. The Bridges and rotor are made of Aluminium. I handled a bare movement at the manufacture and it is super feather light!!! this matches the idea of a sturdy sportswatch very well.

I love how the monocrome look of the dial, case and bracelet all come together as one package. It seems like the perfect stealth piece that can handle everyday use and match many situations, while still being a high end chronometer.

One issue I have though, is the water resistance of only 3ATM. While it will probably be OK, I still feel a watch in the sports watch category should have a better WR for piece of mind.

Buckle detail. The buckle is nice and flat so it doesnt protrude from the bracelet.

It is super stealthy and comfortable on the wrist

Key Points from the Discussion

The removal of rubber inserts from the bracelet and crown significantly alters the watch's aesthetic, creating a calmer and more coherent look that some prefer, while others might miss the original contrast.
The titanium bracelet is noted for its extreme comfort and lightness, contributing to a well-balanced feel on the wrist, and the butterfly buckle with ceramic balls is praised for its robust construction.
The polished titanium 'bumper' replacing the rubber bumper adds a subtle highlight and a touch of 'Journe quirkiness,' reminiscent of chrome trim on vintage cars.
The bezel's intricate construction, involving deep milling around the numbers and subsequent filling with black ceramic material, is highlighted as a typical F.P. Journe high-quality detail.
The use of an aluminum movement (Caliber 1300.03) contributes to the watch's feather-light weight, aligning with the concept of a sturdy sportswatch.
The monochrome look of the dial, case, and bracelet creates a unified package, making it a versatile 'stealth piece' suitable for everyday use while maintaining high-end chronometer status.
A common concern among contributors is the 3ATM water resistance, which is considered low for a sports watch, with a preference for at least 5ATM or ideally 10ATM for peace of mind.
The Titalyt treatment on the titanium is described as a surface oxidation process that makes the metal very hard and scratch-resistant, rather than a coating, though the long-term durability against deep dings is a point of ongoing interest.

The Discussion

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

Sep 5, 2019

Very nice!

If it helps, the WR is tested to 5atm, but rated at 3, so it could really go to 30m underwater if one wished.

ChristianDK

Sep 5, 2019

Thank you.

A 3 ATM test is a theoretical pressure test. The watch industry generally says that 3 ATM test is equivalent to shower prof. There has been a lot of posts about this issue in the past. I suggest you do a forum search. You can also read a good post by Mike here.

keks

Sep 5, 2019

a very cool piece

and I too welcome the rubber less version.... even though I think I prefer the size of the earlier line sport... wr on a sport watch should be at the very minimum 5atm but ideally 10atm... otherwise I find it difficult to categorize as sports... but that is ijust me. On the whole I think this FPJ is top cool, thanks for sharing with us your lovely pictures and thoughts... I am sure this version will find a good many likers!

ChristianDK

Sep 5, 2019

Thank you for your kind words, Keks

Hope all is well with you my friend. I was hesitant about thie size of the LINESPORT as well but I think if you look at the last pictures I posted, it looks harmonious and works well. (Mind you, my wrist is bigger than average.) I suppose the missing lugs makes room for a big diameter. It is a rather large case but I think the feel on the wrist is very well balanced thanks to the Au movement and Ti case and bracelet.

vuillaume

Sep 13, 2019

dial versus movement

Curious? The movement and movement size has stayed the same through all three iterations? With the changes being in the dial ( larger display date ) and also the addition of a ceramic numbered bezel?

kennygfunk

Sep 5, 2019

Nicer! They got rid of the week materials! [nt]

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F.P. Journe LINESPORT Automatique Réserve Titane

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