Holdemchamp1225's journey to acquire an F.P. Journe for his wife uncovers fascinating details about the Octa Divine Lune's early production. His meticulous research into case and movement variations of the 36mm model provides invaluable insights for collectors. This article delves into the nuances of a transitional reference, highlighting its unique characteristics and rarity, making it a crucial read for enthusiasts and potential buyers.
Here is the back story.
So I inquired about getting a FPJ piece for my wife. I actually did this back in 2018 and at that time the Élégante model was readily available. Sadly, my wife did not like the case shape nor looks 🤦🤦
We looked at other models online but she did not think much of them at all so I got her a 3rd gen VC Overseas like the 2nd gen she adores and wore often.
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago and I got offered an EARLY Octa Divine Lune in 36mm from a fellow collector I've known for over 20 years. I know we looked at this model a few years ago and it was at least something she liked better than the Élégante model.
Forgot to add this so had to edit the post: So I inquired at the FPJ Boutique and found out that they no longer offered the Octa Divine in 36mm, sadly. Allocation at the boutique has been abysmal and 2022 was sold out. Guess I will need to wait until 2023 before I will be able to get a piece I have wanted for a few years. Hopefully I will receive an allocation then. If not, on it goes to 2024 🙈🙉🙊
I did a bit of research and found out a little more about this early Octo model. I guess it is a transitional piece as it uses the 1st gen Octa Divine case with the LONGER lugs and screw case back that has 4 screws in each lug corner. This 1st gen model came with the brass movement for the 1st year but then switched to the all gold movement shortly afterwards. After switching to the gold movement, FPJ also decided to redesign the case as well to remove the screws from the case back and also to make the lugs shorter and wider.
I took measurements of the lugs on this model and compared them to lugs measurements from the same era 38mm models and to my surprise, this 36mm model had slightly longer lugs ao it essentially wore like a 38mm watch even though the case was 36mm 🤷♂️
This is what I found out.
2003 - 2004 : 36mm PT case with screws in the case back, longer lug construction, and brass movement
2004 - 2005 : 36mm PT case with screws in the case back, longer lug construction, and all gold movement
2006 + : 36mm PT newly designed case WITHOUT screws in the case back, shorter snd wider lugs, all gold movement
So essentially, this is a transitional model produced for only 1 year. Pretty cool and rare which was fun to discover.
Having said all that, I thought I might try to offer this to her as a Valentine's gift and in the chance she doesn't like it, well then, that could work in my favor 🤣🤣🤣 and too bad for her 🙊🙉🙈
Just kidding, I had a plan B just in case and trust me, I knew the back up plan was 100% a go. In fact, I was hoping plan B would turn into plan A after trying on this little beauty.
Fast forward to 2 days ago and I received it by courrier. Let's just say I am a BAD gift giver as I usually have ZERO patience and cannot wait to give the gifts to family or friends so I asked her to try it on.
She liked it more than the Élégante for sure but sadly I did not see the same sparkle in her eye as I have with other pieces in the past, mainly the WG SARU she decided to steal from me 🤦🤦🤦🤦🙈🙉🙊
So what to do? Time for plan B. I gave her the choice but with a twist. I said, Ok you can stick with this little beauty or go with plan B. I did not tell her what plan B was but I did tell her it was another watch. I have to admit that I was somewhat hoping she would pick plan B so I could selfishly wear this Octa or at least borrow it from time to time 😜😜
Maybe I pushed her over the edge with plan B as I said she most likely would like it more than this but it was NO guarantee. Regardless, whatever decision she made, she would have to stick with it and there was NO plan C 😳😬🙊🙉🙈
So, after all that, she chose plan B and this little beauty is now on my wrist.
I must say, I am super surprised how well it wears and I really really like the longer lug construction for the smaller case size as it gives the lugs much more presences on the wrist. One of the reasons why I like and prefer the VC Malte Chrono over the Patek 5070G is the lug design and construction. Similarly, this is a reason why I also like the lug construction of this early Octa case.
If you have made it this far, I thank you for being patient and reading the back story 🙏🙏
Here is the little beauty
On my wife's wrist which I think also looks great. I believe her wrist is around 15 cm
And lastly, this was plan B. Don't feel bad for her, I am more than sure that she préfère plan B to go along with my or should I say her WG SARU 😢😣😡😠
At least I am making her wait until Valentine's day before she can wear it.
I know, bad husband as she repeated to me 🤣🤣🤣
