F.P. Journe Playful Side Reference Guide
Reference Guide

F.P. Journe Playful Side Reference Guide

By quattro · Aug 26, 2025 · 27 replies
quattro
WPS member · F.P. Journe forum
27 replies3358 views23 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

In this insightful post, quattro delves into the whimsical F.P. Journe Octa Lune Manneken Pis, a limited edition timepiece that beautifully marries high horology with a playful tribute to Belgian culture. quattro meticulously details the watch's design inspiration, tracing its roots to the iconic Brussels landmark and revealing the deeply personal connection to a cherished friend of François-Paul Journe. This article not only showcases a unique F.P. Journe reference but also uncovers the hidden narratives that imbue certain timepieces with extraordinary meaning.

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This is F.P. Journe Octa Lune Manneken Pis, a limited edition of 10 pieces with a 40mm platinum case. According to Luxury Bazar, it was made in 2024, but some of the photos below are from 2023.


credit: @thewatchrookie


The Manneken Pis (Dutch for 'Little Pissing Man') is a landmark bronze fountain sculpture in central Brussels, Belgium, depicting a ‘puer mingens’ i.e. a naked little boy urinating.


credit: Arter architect ou DDGM architectes associés pour coll. Ville de Bruxelles, 2022


This little boy is replicated multiple times on the watch face:



credit: @thewatchrookie


In its fountain environment, the bronze statue is quite small (55.5 cm - 21.9 in) and the naked little boy urinates into the fountain's basin.


credit: Arter architect ou DDGM architectes associés pour coll. Ville de Bruxelles, 2022


Because it was stolen and mistreated several times the original statue from 1619, designed by the Brabantine sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder (1570-1641), has been replaced by a replica since 1966 and is kept at the Brussels City Museum.


credit: Wikipedia


The replica displayed in the city is regularly dressed up and its wardrobe consists of around one thousand different costumes.












credit: Wikipedia


So, why did F.P. Journe (or should I say F. Pee Journe?) create such an unusual and playful dial ?


credit: @thewatchrookie


The answer lies in his very close friendship with late Serge (Gino) Cukrowicz (1959-2021), founder of the esteemed Brussels establishment Ginotti, which stood as one of the earliest F. P. Journe retailers circa 1999.


credit: The Journe Guy


Gino Cukrowicz was a joyful, humorous person, never taking himself too seriously.

credit: The Journe Guy


So, the Octa Lune Manneken Pis is an homage to Cukrowicz as well as to Belgian culture, in which humour is also very important.










credit: @thewatchrookie & @shani.watch (last photo only)


F.P. Journe also designed the Élégante Gino's Dream as a tribute to his friend's vibrant temperament (and for the 10th anniversary of the Élégante).




credit: Sjx & F.P. Journe


Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

About the F.P. Journe Élégante Ref. elegante

The F.P. Journe Élégante represents the brand's entry into electro-mechanical timekeeping, distinguished by its hybrid movement technology within the Élégante series. This reference marks a departure from traditional mechanical movements in the F.P. Journe collection.

The 40mm titanium case houses the caliber 1210 electro-mechanical movement, paired with a silver dial and fixed bezel. Construction features include sapphire crystal and a rubber strap, with water resistance rated to 30 meters. The titanium case material provides a lightweight alternative to traditional precious metal constructions.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in F.P. Journe's exploration of alternative movement technologies beyond purely mechanical calibers. The electro-mechanical movement and titanium construction position this piece as a distinct offering within the brand's portfolio, catering to those seeking contemporary technical approaches in independent watchmaking. Production commenced in 2014.

Specifications

Caliber
1210
Case
Titanium
Diameter
40 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
EN
enjoythemusic
Aug 26, 2025
Fun FPJ, and the lil boy is lucky... he gets to be by a great motorsports/Ferrari fun store.

Nice to see the fun side of horology.

QU
quattro
Aug 26, 2025
Ferrari fun store? Near the Manneken Pis?

VI
VinnieD
Aug 26, 2025
First time I see this one!

When was this FPJ released? it is such a fun statue!

QU
quattro
Aug 26, 2025
According to Luxury Bazar, it was made in 2024, but some of the photos above are from 2023.

Here's the Luxury Bazar page: www.luxurybazaar.com m Best, Emmanuel

VI
VinnieD
Aug 26, 2025
and here I was

secretly expecting you to say that it had been released on Apr 1st ...

QU
quattro
Aug 27, 2025
😅 November 2023 seems more likely!

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