F.P. Journe

stoertebeker
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Is there anybody out there …

regarding an FP Journe piece as a watch? Or are you all technophiles looking for the latest thrill in gadgetry? To me a watch is a watch is a watch. And as a watch it has to display

-        the time in an accurate manner – what is obviously valid for all FP Journes and in itself the greatest achievement. And although being surrounded by all these beeping devices, atomic clock synchronized computers (even the time display in my car is radio frequency controlled) for me there is no better moment than having a look at my FPJ when the radio time signals the full hour. And then there is a big smile, standing for deepest satisfaction with my choice.

-        the date, preferably month included (a perpetual calendar being the highest of my wishes). Everything else isn't a must, like day of the week, leap year indication, moon phase, time equation etc.

For the ease of use a self-winding movement would be fine, next comes the power reserve indication. That’s it. Of course, more complications are welcome but not a must. So, I’ll end up with Zodiaque, Calendrier and Octa Divine.

Now aesthetics comes into play. All FPJ watches are more or less masterpieces in this sense - the arched glass, the rounded cases, the perfect arrangement off all the indications in order to achieve minimum height. Comparing the dials I can’t decide between the Zodiac as the more classical one and the Calendrier as a successful combination of innovative and classical elements. So, I’m going to wear them depending on my mood. Right now it looks like I’m in a more reminiscent disposition so the Zodiac is my current favourite (that probably has to do with all the celebrations of the 20^th anniversary of the Berlin wall coming down – what opened my way into your world).

From a purely aesthetics view I’d probably choose the Centigraphe with its perfect harmony of the dial. Simply perfect. But it’s more of a man’s toy than a watch, isn’t it? The last time I had used a stop watch was me running the 100m for my A-levels – 26 years ago.

Having said all that and having read all your comments, I’m surprised what a broad spectrum of customer wishes FPJ seems to cover! To me my favourite FPJ watches are fantastic pieces of craftsmanship AND art.