F.P. Journe Octa Divine 2023 Dial Redesign

ChristianDK · 2023-04-02T17:36:00Z

Explore the F.P. Journe Octa Divine 2023 dial redesign, comparing new stepped frames and applied numerals with the previous version. See live pictures and collector opinions.

ChristianDK

WPS member · F.P. Journe forum

19 replies5749 views16 photos

ChristianDK's detailed post on the F.P. Journe Octa Divine 2023 dial redesign offers a critical look at how a revered independent watchmaker evolves its aesthetics. This article provides valuable insights into the subtle yet significant changes in luxury watch design, prompting a lively discussion among collectors about tradition versus modernization. It's a must-read for anyone interested in F.P. Journe's design philosophy.

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The Divine has recieved a make over of the dial design. Just as the Perpetuelle did in 2021. The design is now similar in style and the watch is offered with the option of a white or a blue dial. Both options are available in platinum or rose gold case and with the choice of 40 or 42 mm diameter.

Significant are the new stepped frames around the apertures in platinum or red gold, arching the case. Similarly are the applied numerals. These elements give the dial a strong feeling of depth and and three dimensionality.

The previous version of the octa divine.

The updated design is an improvement compared to the previous version. The previous dial never seemed to have found a sense of harmony but was rather a product of the old style that worked very well in some dials but applied to this model it didn’t. When comparing it with the Perpetuelle I preferred the previous “clover dial” with its quirky frame that created both harmony but also brought life to the dial with its arch shaped frame.

Here we clearly see an improvement by simplifying the design.

The watch is still powered by the Octa 1300.3 movement. Executed entirely in solid rose gold.

Key Points from the Discussion

The older Octa Divine dial reflects Journe's original design language and a watchmaker's practicality, while the updated version is more refined and nuanced, retaining the original's innovation.
Some prefer the old version, especially the black label, and would favor the new design more if it lacked the frames around the date, digital seconds, and moon phase apertures.
The thick borders around the new dial's openings create an unbalanced look, leading some to prefer the older version's aesthetic.
The new design's borders are too thick, particularly on the rose gold model, and the rectangular date indenting a circular element is a design flaw.
The original Octa Divine's oval mid-section was a turn-off for some, while the new design's window frames are too attention-grabbing.
The previous Octa Divine dial held no appeal for some due to its oval middle, while the applied numerals on the new version are appreciated.

The Discussion

Chicolini

Apr 2, 2023

Thanks for posting this, Christian. May I ask what the small

Semi circle of numbers represents? Thank you.

ChristianDK

Apr 2, 2023

You’re welcome Ed. That is a seconds display. It’s a small disk spinning constantly.

Just a fun way to animate the dial.

Chicolini

Apr 2, 2023

That is so cool! What’s your favorite

combination?

damianp

Apr 2, 2023

I like this a lot. At least on pictures much better, than the previous version.

Might just be my favourite automatic from fpj

Chicolini

Apr 2, 2023

Ah! Small seconds!!! Duh!

India Whiskey Charlie

Apr 2, 2023

Not to my liking...

All those thick borders around the openings make the dial heavily unbalanced. Maybe I'll warm-up to it but for now the old version for me please...

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