Comments:
Need advice - most iconic FPJ model
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 independent brand at this point so there's no chance I'll find a piece FP personally benched anymore, but I can find the most iconic and recognized FPJ piece - with your help.
One more criteria - available in 42mm preferably, but 40mm could work.
Thank you!
Chronométre Optimum
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
Hagwe
Jaccard's choices are very good ones.
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.
Echoing both answers. FP designs all the watches himself.
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!
I always say that all FPJ watches have 100% FPJ DNA
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 be touched by a respectful request.
I think the Tourbillon is the most iconic from FPJ .
His first serie of watches where Tourbillons if i am correct .
Agree.
Having done some research on the tourbillion series, these do seem to be associated with FPJ's early pieces and throughout
I think it’s a complex answer to your question ...
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 brand has been able to make one in the sense of how FP Journe has done it. Some have said the Tourbillon. I think, especially the very earliest at most significant. I also want to mention the Vagabondage 1,2,3 I think those are very special, unique and fantastic watches but not often talked about due to their limited numbers. The Chronometre Souverain was gifted to George Daniels and FP I extremely proud of this piece. And for a very good reason,I want to add. That’s just an extremely good watch, IMO.
Thinking about all those +
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 the watchmaker personally brought to life, think Romain Gauthier HM. But it could be later in their career and a piece that just "took off" like Rexhep's Chronometre.
I've said it's a piece where if the names was removed you'd still know the watchmaker. I realize that's lots of FPJ's pieces - but not all right?
Often it's an early piece that has "stood the test of time" and that the watchmaker personally brought to life, think Romain Gauthier HM. But it could be later in their career and a piece that just "took off" like Rexhep's Chronometre.
I've said it's a piece where if the names was removed you'd still know the watchmaker. I realize that's lots of FPJ's pieces - but not all right?
I think your criteria can be applied to several of the mentioned
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 that in many other independent watchmakers. It is why I consider him a cut above the rest.
Perhaps you can get inspiration from this great article by Philippe Jordao. It definitely focuses on the early FP Journe.
Perhaps you can get inspiration from this great article by Philippe Jordao. It definitely focuses on the early FP Journe.
forums.timezone.com
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What’s the budget?
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 Resonance. Obviously there’s a huge spread in terms of price point from early brass to more modern to the parking meeting Resonance. The Optimum, which others have noted, and which also meets your 42mm wish, will fall somewhere in the middle or middle lower of the Resonance price spread.
If that’s not within reason then I would suggest the CS (which shouldn’t be overlooked due it being the “simple” watch in the lineup).
Ignoring your “iconic” label, which model(s) appeal to you currently?
Budget - less that I want, more than I should.
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 label says "informed buyer" as much as boutique buyer and marketing spin.
Also not sure Calendrier and/or black label says "informed buyer" as much as boutique buyer and marketing spin.
I think the Calendrier can easily be called iconic Journe among aficionados.
I know it is a darling among some of Journes watch makers who own this piece them selves.
The Calendrier is also unmistakably Journe. Why fight it if that’s the watch your drawn to?
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.
At 42mm... New Resonance or Optimum
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 Sonnerie is also 42mm if your budget stretches this far 
There are other iconic FPJ's like the original brass movement Tourbillons or Resonances, but they are 38mm...
As far as icons, its usually the Tourbillon, Resonance, Optimum and Sonnerie (this last one is an icon, but not the easiest to obtain), and not necessarily in that order!
Interesting question!
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 audience know about FPJ.