AndrewD[HoMe Moderator]
12829
A known issue ...
This is a known issue with the early F.P.Journe dials. The problem is oxidation. It is move obvious on the YG dials, as you show here, but also occured on the WG/grey dials which can yellow.
Like many small companies F.P.Journe sourced dials from an external supplier in the first few years of production (1999-2004). And this oxidation is a known problem with some dials from that period. I don't know how many were affected. When F.P.Journe set up Les Cadraniers and moved dial making 'in-house' in 2005 he had more control and they changed the base preparation and galvanization process to prevent this occurring.
There was certainly much more variability with the early dials and you will see different finishes from shiny to smooth to granular and different shades as well.
I have the same Pt/YG Octa RdM (circa 2002) as you and have not had any issues. But it is essential to have these watches serviced at the prescribed interval of 4 to 5 years to keep the seals fresh. Any humidity or water entering the watch may accelerate the oxidation.
You should contact your nearest F.P.Journe Boutique, or the manufacture for immediate advice. I believe this oxidation is difficult to remove, but they can stabilize the dial to stop it worsening. I have so far found F.P.Journe to be extremely helpful and communicative on service issues. Please let us know what the outcome is.
Regards
Andrew
Journe Dial Discoloration
By: bmwmw : May 14th, 2013-08:04
Any thoughts on what caused the discoloration shown in the below picture on this yellow gold RdM dial around the edges of the silver sub-dial (e.g., oxidation, oil from the movement, etc.)? Has anyone seen this in other Journes? Many thanks. ...
A known issue ...
By: AndrewD : May 14th, 2013-20:34
This is a known issue with the early F.P.Journe dials. The problem is oxidation. It is move obvious on the YG dials, as you show here, but also occured on the WG/grey dials which can yellow. Like many small companies F.P.Journe sourced dials from an exter...
Oxidation
By: bmwmw : May 15th, 2013-01:04
Thanks very much for the extremely helpful response Andrew. This is a 2002 RdM (originally sold in 2004) that I purchased pre-owned a few years ago. When I bought it the dial was basically pristine with just a slight difference in color around the edges o...
Photos
By: bmwmw : May 15th, 2013-04:13
I'm having trouble with the photo uploaders ("invalid blog" message) but happy to send them to you if you PM me your email address. I'm certain it was the latter option (cleaning / restoration rather than dial swap) as you can still see just a faint trace...
FPJ Response
By: bmwmw : May 23rd, 2013-09:01
FYI Montres Journe kindly responded to my email today and confirmed that the service team removed the oxidation from my dial by cleaning it. Restoration is not possible. Replacement dials are available though supplies are limited and the color may not nec...
I like Oxidation..
By: SALMANPK : May 24th, 2013-11:09
I like watches showing their age and imperfections, I know "collectors" value pristine like new pieces but I personally don't, gives them character and uniqueness. I would welcome the Oxidation and hope it would accelerate :-) but thats just me. S
mmmm not sure...
By: moc : May 26th, 2013-04:13
It depends on the cases,the one you showed is ok ,but the one on top really looks faulty..... We watchnuts are incredibly creative when it comes down to our beloved...maybe these will be future tropical dial Journes.... Mo
