F.P. Journe Playful Side Reference Guide

quattro · 2025-08-26T08:59:03Z

Explore the F.P. Journe Octa Lune Manneken Pis, a limited edition platinum watch. Discover its playful design, Belgian cultural inspiration, and the personal tribute to Gino Cukrowicz.

quattro

WPS member · F.P. Journe forum

27 replies3358 views23 photos

In this insightful post, quattro delves into the whimsical F.P. Journe Octa Lune Manneken Pis, a limited edition timepiece that beautifully marries high horology with a playful tribute to Belgian culture. quattro meticulously details the watch's design inspiration, tracing its roots to the iconic Brussels landmark and revealing the deeply personal connection to a cherished friend of François-Paul Journe. This article not only showcases a unique F.P. Journe reference but also uncovers the hidden narratives that imbue certain timepieces with extraordinary meaning.

This is F.P. Journe Octa Lune Manneken Pis, a limited edition of 10 pieces with a 40mm platinum case. According to Luxury Bazar, it was made in 2024, but some of the photos below are from 2023.

credit: @thewatchrookie

The Manneken Pis (Dutch for 'Little Pissing Man') is a landmark bronze fountain sculpture in central Brussels, Belgium, depicting a ‘puer mingens’ i.e. a naked little boy urinating.

credit: Arter architect ou DDGM architectes associés pour coll. Ville de Bruxelles, 2022

This little boy is replicated multiple times on the watch face:

credit: @thewatchrookie

In its fountain environment, the bronze statue is quite small (55.5 cm - 21.9 in) and the naked little boy urinates into the fountain's basin.

credit: Arter architect ou DDGM architectes associés pour coll. Ville de Bruxelles, 2022

Because it was stolen and mistreated several times the original statue from 1619, designed by the Brabantine sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder (1570-1641), has been replaced by a replica since 1966 and is kept at the Brussels City Museum.

credit: Wikipedia

The replica displayed in the city is regularly dressed up and its wardrobe consists of around one thousand different costumes.

credit: Wikipedia

So, why did F.P. Journe (or should I say F. Pee Journe?) create such an unusual and playful dial ?

credit: @thewatchrookie

The answer lies in his very close friendship with late Serge (Gino) Cukrowicz (1959-2021), founder of the esteemed Brussels establishment Ginotti, which stood as one of the earliest F. P. Journe retailers circa 1999.

credit: The Journe Guy

Gino Cukrowicz was a joyful, humorous person, never taking himself too seriously.

credit: The Journe Guy

So, the Octa Lune Manneken Pis is an homage to Cukrowicz as well as to Belgian culture, in which humour is also very important.

credit: @thewatchrookie & @shani.watch (last photo only)

F.P. Journe also designed the Élégante Gino's Dream as a tribute to his friend's vibrant temperament (and for the 10th anniversary of the Élégante).

credit: Sjx & F.P. Journe

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

About the F.P. Journe Élégante Ref. elegante

The F.P. Journe Élégante represents the brand's entry into electro-mechanical timekeeping, distinguished by its hybrid movement technology within the Élégante series. This reference marks a departure from traditional mechanical movements in the F.P. Journe collection.

The 40mm titanium case houses the caliber 1210 electro-mechanical movement, paired with a silver dial and fixed bezel. Construction features include sapphire crystal and a rubber strap, with water resistance rated to 30 meters. The titanium case material provides a lightweight alternative to traditional precious metal constructions.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in F.P. Journe's exploration of alternative movement technologies beyond purely mechanical calibers. The electro-mechanical movement and titanium construction position this piece as a distinct offering within the brand's portfolio, catering to those seeking contemporary technical approaches in independent watchmaking. Production commenced in 2014.

Specifications

Caliber: 1210

Case: Titanium

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Manneken Pis motif on the dial is subtly integrated, appearing as a texture from a distance and only revealing its intricate laser-engraved detail upon closer inspection with a loupe, making it less 'in your face' than photographs suggest.
Gino Cukrowicz, the inspiration behind this watch, was not only F.P. Journe's best friend but also a partner in Montres Journe, instrumental in helping the company establish itself.
François-Paul Journe himself possesses a wicked sense of humor, a trait not widely known, which explains his willingness to create such a lighthearted and personal tribute.
The watch serves as a beautiful celebration of Gino Cukrowicz's memory and his joyful approach to life, embodying a personal connection that transcends typical watchmaking.

The Discussion

enjoythemusic

Aug 26, 2025

Nice to see the fun side of horology.

VinnieD

Aug 26, 2025

When was this FPJ released? it is such a fun statue!

quattro

Aug 26, 2025

Here's the Luxury Bazar page: www.luxurybazaar.com m Best, Emmanuel

KMII

Aug 26, 2025

Thanks so much for unearthing this one - really like the tongue in cheek attitude of it 😊👍🏻

Ichiran

Aug 26, 2025

which I have never seen before. Wow!

quattro

Aug 26, 2025

Likely kept for close and meaningful collectors. Best, Emmanuel

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