F.P. Journe Chronograph FB (LE 200 pcs)

[Ichiran]

https://monochrome-watches.com/intro...s-specs-price/

Introducing The F.P. Journe Chronograph FB, a Classic(ish) Hand-Wound Chrono and the Last of the Limited Editions

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Tokyo-based boutique, F.P. Journe now released the sixth watch in the Boutique Anniversaire Series, this new Chronograph FB. And, as we said at the begenning of this article, it’s not just a new colour and a new material applied to an existing watch. This is an entirely new model, which won’t be reproduced.

This Chronograph FB is, as all previous models in the commemorative collection, house in a polished grade 5 titanium case, with the classic design of the Souverain or Octa collection. It measures a pleasant 40mm in diameter, with a fairly thin profile of 10.40mm, including two sapphire crystals. As expected, both the crown and pushers are here made of 18k 6N gold. And the alligator strap is in the signature burgundy colour, closed by a gold folding clasp.

Equally important, this 200-piece limited and numbered edition is the last of the limited series that will be done by Journe. There won’t be watches in the future with engraved limited numbers on the back, and no more watches in fixed limited batches. This watches is the end of the Boutique Anniversaire Series as well all other limited series. Available from the brand’s official salons, the F.P. Journe Chronograph FB will be priced at CHF 90,000 (excl. taxes).

[Ichiran]

I love this one, but I understand from my AD this is only available at the Tokyo Boutique.

[WatchEater666]

Looks amazing. Wish more brands would do thinner chronographs. The gold crown with titanium case is a nice combo

[kaiserphoenix]

Here are som quick snaps I took at the event. The event was a very happy one, it was awesome to meet the man himself finally, and ofcourse to do an obligatory wrist shot as well. I was able to ask him some questions like if there will be another version of the Chronometre Optimum and he said no, it was as good as it can get and probably the watch he would wear for himself. During the event Journe was ofcourse test driving the new chronograph. The chronograph is an adaptation of the rattrapante chronograph that already exists, downgraded (yes the BMs words) into a flyback chrono. I was told there was also the option to have it on a titanium bracelet with a gold buckle but the price will be around $30,000 on top of the MSRP of the strap one.

He was also gracious enough to sign my book as well :) The sushi bar was also a nice surprise and of very high quality. Finally above anything else, it was great to be able to reconnect with other passionate FP Journe collectors and talk about anything and everything Journe.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

Here are som quick snaps I took at the event. The event was a very happy one, it was awesome to meet the man himself finally, and ofcourse to do an obligatory wrist shot as well.

Thanks for sharing! This looks like an awesome event.

Would you know if all the 200 pcs have been allocated? I just went there in April but if they are still available I would happily fly there again.

[kaiserphoenix]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Thanks for sharing! This looks like an awesome event.

Would you know if all the 200 pcs are allocated? I just went there in April but if they are still available I would happily fly there again.

Best is to email the boutique and ask. Im pretty sure its not "sold out" per se but they are selective about the clientele.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

Here are som quick snaps I took at the event. The event was a very happy one, it was awesome to meet the man himself finally, and ofcourse to do an obligatory wrist shot as well. I was able to ask him some questions like if there will be another version of the Chronometre Optimum and he said no, it was as good as it can get and probably the watch he would wear for himself. During the event Journe was ofcourse test driving the new chronograph. The chronograph is an adaptation of the rattrapante chronograph that already exists, downgraded (yes the BMs words) into a flyback chrono. I was told there was also the option to have it on a titanium bracelet with a gold buckle but the price will be around $30,000 on top of the MSRP of the strap one.

He was also gracious enough to sign my book as well :) The sushi bar was also a nice surprise and of very high quality. Finally above anything else, it was great to be able to reconnect with other passionate FP Journe collectors and talk about anything and everything Journe.

I heard the cake was not touched?

And so glad to hear that the CO is the final and best version of it. So happy to have joined the club.

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

Here are som quick snaps I took at the event. The event was a very happy one, it was awesome to meet the man himself finally, and ofcourse to do an obligatory wrist shot as well. I was able to ask him some questions like if there will be another version of the Chronometre Optimum and he said no, it was as good as it can get and probably the watch he would wear for himself. During the event Journe was ofcourse test driving the new chronograph. The chronograph is an adaptation of the rattrapante chronograph that already exists, downgraded (yes the BMs words) into a flyback chrono. I was told there was also the option to have it on a titanium bracelet with a gold buckle but the price will be around $30,000 on top of the MSRP of the strap one.

He was also gracious enough to sign my book as well :) The sushi bar was also a nice surprise and of very high quality. Finally above anything else, it was great to be able to reconnect with other passionate FP Journe collectors and talk about anything and everything Journe.

30k for a titanium bracelet..... The Platinum bracelet sounds like a bargain

ARS 2 non precious metal feel like a bargain now.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by dakkonmc

30k for a titanium bracelet..... The Platinum bracelet sounds like a bargain

ARS 2 non precious metal feel like a bargain now.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

So this has a different titanium bracelet from the CMS/ARS2?

$30k is the same price as a platinum bracelet for the classic line. It does make the pt bracelet a bargain. But it is still a bargain compares to the GF titanium bracelet for the Balancier.

[F131F]

Originally Posted by llngoc

So this has a different titanium bracelet from the CMS/ARS2?

Yes, it would look just like the ones for the Classique line.

$30k is the same price as a platinum bracelet for the classic line. It does make the pt bracelet a bargain. But it is still a bargain compares to the GF titanium bracelet for the Balancier.

I doubt it. Two years ago I inquired about a bracelet for my platinum CO and was quoted $59k. Surely it must be even more now.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by F131F

Yes, it would look just like the ones for the Classique line.

I doubt it. Two years ago I inquired about a bracelet for my platinum CO and was quoted $59k. Surely it must be even more now.

I think you are correct. Not sure why I got $30k stuck in my mind. I inquired about a month ago and was told the manufacture actually has no capacity for the bracelet at the time. What does that really mean?

It will be so much better if it is easier to swap straps with bracelet.

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by F131F

Yes, it would look just like the ones for the Classique line.



I doubt it. Two years ago I inquired about a bracelet for my platinum CO and was quoted $59k. Surely it must be even more now.

I also heard the 59k for the Platinum bracelet. Does anyone know what the weight of the bracelet?

I remember trying out a Rattrapante in Platinum and it was definitely not a lightweight.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

[GB-man]

Love it. Always wished my split was a 60 min counter or more. I honestly have been turned off further high end chrono additions because I feel 12 hour chronos are flat out superior for the types of uses I encounter.

[1William]

Very nice.

[Ichiran]

[subtona]

Fantastic. So many special details in this one.

Would be a great piece for any collection


Very impressed how the date has been added so cleanly to the dial.
(Date on a chrono is typically a no go but this one maybe the exception)

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by subtona

Fantastic. So many special details in this one.

Would be a great piece for any collection


Very impressed how the date has been added so cleanly to the dial.
(Date on a chrono is typically a no go but this one maybe the exception)

Agreed. The matching wheels etc are very nice

[tigerpac]

It's an application piece according to my boutique.

[AEC]

Awesome. The architecture of the movement is gorgeous. It looks like a love child born from a Chronometer Souverain and a Valjoux 72

[rmlovett1]

Beautiful! Really loving the FP designs as of late. Maybe a future purchase in the works, as expanding beyond Rolex recently, has been enlightening for me.

[dakkonmc]

I'm shocked there's 200 requests from Japan Boutique already.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

[kaiserphoenix]

The watch is not sold out as of today. However if you have never bought anything from the Tokyo boutique, then it is sold out if that makes sense. Not only is the watch prioritised for clients of the FPJ boutique in Tokyo, you have to remember that the boutique opened 20 years ago and thus there are many clients outside of Japan that are clients of the Tokyo boutique as well. Allocations are not fixed yet...

[kaiserphoenix]

Most Japanese collectors if they want one can get one…the reception at least amongst the event attendees was luke warm at best.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

Most Japanese collectors if they want one can get one…the reception at least amongst the event attendees was luke warm at best.

Tell more? Size? What’s not to like. Too similar to past JP iterations in color scheme?

[kaiserphoenix]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Tell more? Size? What’s not to like. Too similar to past JP iterations in color scheme?

It’s not that they didn’t like it. But no one talked about it which was the strange thing. Size is perfect. Price is sort of neither here nor there and for most FPJ collectors not an issue. I think one major point was the number. 200 is ALOT and whilst it was not going to be produced in one shot, many were turned off by the lack of exclusivity on it. Secondly, whilst the movement is adequate many felt it lacked any FPj essence, it was just a cheaper version of an existing caliber, no story nothing. I think those 2 were the major issues. The size and material is perfect I feel and the colour scheme is in line with previous Tokyo editions.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

It’s not that they didn’t like it. But no one talked about it which was the strange thing. Size is perfect. Price is sort of neither here nor there and for most FPJ collectors not an issue. I think one major point was the number. 200 is ALOT and whilst it was not going to be produced in one shot, many were turned off by the lack of exclusivity on it. Secondly, whilst the movement is adequate many felt it lacked any FPj essence, it was just a cheaper version of an existing caliber, no story nothing. I think those 2 were the major issues. The size and material is perfect I feel and the colour scheme is in line with previous Tokyo editions.

I will be happy if I can get one. As you said, the size is spot on and it is the only currently "available" dress chronograph in the FPJ collection. But I can see your point on the movement. In order to create something unique but cost effective, it is quicker and cheaper to chop off something.

[ButtButt]

Originally Posted by llngoc

I will be happy if I can get one. As you said, the size is spot on and it is the only currently "available" dress chronograph in the FPJ collection. But I can see your point on the movement. In order to create something unique but cost effective, it is quicker and cheaper to chop off something.

Me too, I love how it looks and it would go well with my chronograph theme. One can dream...

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

It’s not that they didn’t like it. But no one talked about it which was the strange thing. Size is perfect. Price is sort of neither here nor there and for most FPJ collectors not an issue. I think one major point was the number. 200 is ALOT and whilst it was not going to be produced in one shot, many were turned off by the lack of exclusivity on it. Secondly, whilst the movement is adequate many felt it lacked any FPj essence, it was just a cheaper version of an existing caliber, no story nothing. I think those 2 were the major issues. The size and material is perfect I feel and the colour scheme is in line with previous Tokyo editions.

Definitely would have been nicer if it was a rattrapante and small edition. If it was a rattrapante. Prices would have been higher, and the probability of getting this watch with a smaller edition would have been next to none for as lot of us.



Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

[kaiserphoenix]

Originally Posted by dakkonmc

Definitely would have been nicer if it was a rattrapante and small edition. If it was a rattrapante. Prices would have been higher, and the probability of getting this watch with a smaller edition would have been next to none for as lot of us.



Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

Yep. Which is why I think many of the more seasoned collectors weren’t as interested as I think the watch was released to be widely accessible to as many people as possible which is a good thing and a bad thing.

[Ichiran]

I attended a FPJ event for the launch of FFC, which started with drinks, then dinner with the prototype being rotated between attendees for handling during the dinner. Frankly it's very hard to gauge attendees' perception at such events. I thought nobody likes it as no one was leaping in joy when they handled the FFC but was not surprised some customers registered interest for the $900k watch during and after the event. There are collectors like Santa Laura who don't even attend such events. Some just go for the drinks and company. Some like me can't afford the FFC and was just there to see FP and take free gifts.