Jean-Marc Fleury FXR-4 Chronograph Hands-On Review

quattro · 2026-03-03T11:24:21Z

Explore the Jean-Marc Fleury FXR-4 Chronograph, a modern reinterpretation of the Lemania 2310. Dive into its unique dial, movement, and collector insights.

quattro

WPS member · Independents forum

10 replies967 views25 photos

quattro's hands-on review of the Jean-Marc Fleury FXR-4 Chronograph offers a crucial first look at an independent watchmaker's ambitious reinterpretation of a classic movement. His detailed analysis, complete with high-quality imagery, provides invaluable insights into the design choices and technical execution of this contemporary chronograph. This article explores the nuances of Fleury's approach, from dial aesthetics to movement architecture, making it highly relevant for collectors interested in modern independent horology.

The launch of this Chronograph created by the Fleury Manufacture, founded by watchmaker Jean-Marc Fleury, was announced here by our dear India Whiskey Charlie a few months ago.

Let's start with the unusual layout of the brass satin blue dial with horizontal brushing. It features:

A small seconds register without numbers at 9 o'clock

A 60 minutes chronograph register without numbers at 3 o'clock: there seems to be an updated version with added numbers but, oddly enough, the register has become a 30 minutes one... (see image below)

A date register at 6 o'clock including a day/night indicator

Red lacquered chronograph hands

Rounded off (bercées) hour and minute hands, with a geometric tip for the hour hand

Applied geometric indices in polished black steel

A tachymeter scale whose sub-second track is not correctly graduated for the frequency of the movement: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) implies three divisions, not five

The image below shows what seems to be an updated version with added numbers to the small seconds and chronograph (here 30 minutes) registers.

Also note how the name “Jean-Marc Fleury” is written in italics in a more discreet way (which I personally prefer).

Dimensions and function of the 8 o'clock pusher are clearly indicated here.

Despite the relatively long lug-to-lug, the fit, even on a wrist like mine (16 cm) is quite nice.

However, two elements are not really to my taste: the 8 o'clock pusher and the day/night indicator.

They are original, no doubt about it, but, for me, they add useless complexity to the watch.

The case and lug design is quite nice, though.

Now, the movement: Jean-Marc Fleury having worked at Patek Philippe during the Lemania era, calibre FM04 has been conceived as a Lemania 2310 modern recreation.

That said, the FM04 is not a straightforward copy of the 2310 and the differences have been well analysed and described by Andrew Cavanaugh in his review for Sjx.

Aesthetically, the bridges are brushed horizontally and blackened with an anthracite coating to match the look of the dial.

The strap, made by the Atelier du Bracelet in Geneva, is composed of blue nylon and French light brown calf leather.

As a conclusion, I have to say that I have very mixed feelings about this chronograph:

on the one hand, it is a perfectly commendable attempt to offer a modernized version of a classic complication and movement;

on the other hand, the execution is not without flaws and some choices do not correspond to my personal tastes.

What do you think?

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

BONUS: OTHER VARIANTS

NB: some are early variants and feature the name “Fleury Manufacture” instead of “Jean-Marc Fleury”

Key Points from the Discussion

The updated dial with numbers on the subdials and the italicized 'Jean-Marc Fleury' branding is significantly more attractive than the initial design, transforming the watch's overall appeal.
The movement's excellence is acknowledged, and while the 8 o'clock date corrector is unusual, it's a tolerable design choice. However, the pricing for the stainless steel version is considered steep.
Critiques include the redundant 'chronograph' text on the dial, the excessively long 'Jean-Marc Fleury' brand name that dominates the dial, and the unseemly 8 o'clock pusher which appears uncomfortable.
Despite some reservations about the dial branding, the watch is generally praised for its elegance and the quality of its column-wheel chronograph movement.
The author reiterates that while the execution has flaws and the modern sporty aesthetic doesn't personally resonate, the appeal of a modernized look is understandable.
Even with design improvements, the timepiece does not stand out as a major creation in the broader horological landscape.

The Discussion

Besançon

Mar 3, 2026

Wow ! Very nice watch. I like it very much. Very elegant column wheel chrono movement. If only the brand name were design a bit differently on the dial. 👍👍

quattro

Mar 3, 2026

smaller and in italics. Best, Emmanuel

RDSChicago

Mar 3, 2026

1. Why does the dial have to specify "chronograph?" We all know it's a chronograph. 2. The brand name "Jean-Marc Fleury" is so long that it takes up almost the entire diameter of the dial. This detracts from the aesthetic of the watch. 3. I agree with you that the pusher at 8 o'clock is unseemly and looks like it will dig into one's wrist. The movement is beautiful though.

quattro

Mar 3, 2026

I would just add that the modern style isn't really for me personally. But I understand the appeal of a modernised look. Best, Emmanuel

Marc Obermann

Mar 3, 2026

I think the name in italics looks much nicer as does having the numbers on the subdials and the movement looks excellent. I am guessing the date corrector at eight is due to not being able to have it controlled by the crown and whilst odd I could live with it. However having done a search I find the pricing a little steep for the stainless steel version and didn't even bother looking at what the precious metals cost. Marc

quattro

Mar 4, 2026

for me, the execution has flaws and I don't really warm up personally to the modern sporty aesthetic. But I definitely understand the appeal. Best, Emmanuel

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Jean-Marc Fleury FXR-4 Chronograph Hands-On Review

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