F.P. Journe

My collection criteria include the most iconic model that shows the "soul" of a living independent watchmakers. I partly base "soul" on the watchmaker having been personally involved in the design, making, assembling and timing the piece. FPJ is more a in... 

I do not own any of FPJ's timepieces, but for me the soul of this watchmaker would be either in the Optimum or the Resonance. Hagwe

But I would say there are many iconic Journe pieces-in fact most of his watches could be called iconic. He designs ever one of them. But in trying to be helpful I would add, to the two mentioned, the Chronometre Souverain and the RDM.

I’d second the CS. But for iconic - the Resonance or Optimum would be my pick. A T30 would be another one if you can find one, since the origins of this watch was from the pocket watch FP made pre-FPJ the brand. Hope this helps!

If you order one of the new Astronomic Souveraine watches, you can ask if Mr. Journe himself would be willing to sit with it for some small part of its manufacture. Usually one single watchmaker does it all, but Mr. Journe is the boss and I think he might... 

I'll explore that Avenue.

His first serie of watches where Tourbillons if i am correct .

Having done some research on the tourbillion series, these do seem to be associated with FPJ's early pieces and throughout

Are we talking about style, complication, horological merit? I think you need to think that through to find the piece you are looking for. Instinctively I would say the Resonance or the Optimum. Of those two the Resonance is more “unique” as no other bran... 

It's not a formula as much as a feeling but it could be the piece that defined his design, or represents his "arrival" in the watch world, or a complication that is associated with him. Often it's an early piece that has "stood the test of time" and that ... 

It is not one watch, but several. I think that explains in part why people are so in to Journe. It is not a one hit wonder. You can justify building a collection- it even makes a lot of sense when you understand what his approach is. I don’t really see th... 

You could, budget permitting, find a watch that meets your initial criteria. “Touched by Journe”. And I’m not talking about the early subscription pieces, but obviously they could be a target too. If that’s not within reason then I would suggest the Reson... 

I've always been a dan of the look of the calendrier. Saw my first black label version in NY in late 2000s. But not sure I'd call the octa movement the most iconic or advanced or interesting movement in the line. Also not sure Calendrier and/or black labe... 

I know it is a darling among some of Journes watch makers who own this piece them selves.

Re the “Black Label” I think those are some of the best looking Journes in existence, across all references. BUT, I think if I was looking for something “more Journe” then I’d be seeking a PT case and YG dial combo.

Chances are that the new Resonance will be in 42mm... so you may have your wish to get an iconic model that FPJ created and tinkered with himself. If 42mm is your must have, then it leaves two options only in my view... new Resonance or Optimum. The Sonne... 

I seriously don’t have an answer because FPJ watches are all very iconic - if you are talking about recognition - I’d have to say most of them fly under the radar. However I would add that elegante might be able to be identified from far awAy if the audie... 

Appreciate your help in this journey.