Only Watch 2017: Hands-On Impressions

Alkiro1 · 2017-11-10T11:40:32Z

Explore Alkiro1's hands-on impressions of unique timepieces from Only Watch 2017, including FP Journe, AP Royal Oak, Urwerk/Laurent Ferrier, and Konstantin Chaykin.

Alkiro1

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

26 replies5028 views11 photos

Alkiro1 offers a rare, up-close look at several unique timepieces destined for the Only Watch 2017 auction. His candid impressions, captured through mobile photography, provide a collector's perspective on these highly anticipated charitable creations. This article highlights the subtle nuances and unexpected details that often go unnoticed in official catalog images, offering valuable insights for enthusiasts and potential bidders alike.

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Hi all,

I’ve had the opportunity to see in the flesh timepieces made especially for Only Watch 2017 this afternoon. Catalogue pictures are nice but if you can contemplate all these watches in real, it’s far far better of course 😊

My pictures were taken with my mobile with mainly artificial lights so I did my best.

Well, to be honest, I mainly wanted to see the FP Journe CMB (Chronometre Monopoussoir Rattrapante Bleu) but I want to start with the AP RO Perpetual Calendar in black ceramic (both case and bracelet) and its truly INCREDIBLE and unique “skylight” royal blue Grande Tapisserie dial.

What a feast for the eyes. This dial is absolutely amazing. It has so many hues. From blue to purple with many other colours depending on the light. The contrast with the black ceramic is speechless. Even the moon is to die for. To summarise, I’m deep in love with it 😍😍😍

I thought initially that the blue dial of this totally new FPJ was close to the one of the Chronometre Bleu. Even if the light didn’t help me, it’s much darker and, to be honest, a little bit disappointing for me 😕.

But a quick explanation can be found. With a brighter blue dial, the reading of the chrono would have been much more difficult in my opinion (I precise that we were not allowed to use the chrono).

When you switch to the mouvement side, you only can say Mamma Mia!!! It’s absolutely fantastic. This TRULY unique timepiece will definitely be on the podium of this auction (in terms of money earned) in my opinion.

I had a lot of preconceptions before seeing this Urwerk / Laurent Ferrier collaboration. I thought you had too much of Urwerk and not enough of Laurent Ferrier. Now, I can say that this collaboration is much more balanced what I thought previously.

The softness of the case (made from an exclusive alloy called ARPAL+) is definitely an element which comes from LF and which gives a lot of sensuality to this timepiece. Winding it is very soft too. I would have preferred a smaller watch but it’s still wearable and comfortable due to its curved case.

The KV 28S is more sober than other creations of the Master. That can be explained by the fact that this timepiece is a sporty one (well, if I could own it I won’t use it for my workouts 😊). It’s made of titanium with a sandwich construction dial with Surper-Luminova on hours.

The mouvement is, as usual, a true beauty.

For our GP Gang members, I tried this Laureato with a... bronze case. Very nice and comfortable on the wrist. I’m curious to see how the patina of the bronze case will evolve. The dial is slate grey but can appear very different with lights as you can see with the picture below.

Nevertheless, I noticed something really strange that I can’t explain. The crown was very big for me. A strange detail because two different crowns (a big one and a smaller one) appear on the catalogue pictures 🤔

The Breguet Classic Perpetual Calendar 7715 with all its vertical/aligned functions is one of my favourite. The reading of the date elements is not so easy at first sight but after few minutes everything is ok. A very charming timepiece like many other Breguet.

I have a true soft spot for this Konstantin Chaykin Joker. In the context of this charity auction, this timepiece (made of Zirconium) is so well a propos with its always happy face. If, at least, it could give ill people back their smile.

Maybe this left handed Tudor Black Bay Bronze will be a significant surprise tomorrow like its predecessor was last year.

I’m quite sure many of you were waiting for the Patek Philippe. I’ll post soon a dedicated thread to it 😉

Best wishes

Alkiro

About the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Ref. chronometre

The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain represents the foundational timepiece within the brand's Souveraine collection. This reference demonstrates the manufacture's approach to precision timekeeping through manual winding mechanics, positioned as a core offering in F.P. Journe's lineup.

The 40mm case is executed in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel configuration. A sapphire crystal protects the silver dial, while the manual-winding caliber 1304 movement provides an 80-hour power reserve. The timepiece features 30-meter water resistance and is paired with a leather strap. Production commenced in 2000.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking F.P. Journe's mechanical execution in a fundamental three-hand configuration. The substantial power reserve and manual winding caliber position this model for enthusiasts who appreciate traditional watchmaking approaches within the Souveraine series framework.

Specifications

Caliber: 1304

Case: 18k Rose Gold

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The FP Journe Chronomètre Monopoussoir Rattrapante Bleu's darker dial, initially a disappointment, is justified by its enhanced contrast with the sub-dials, improving chronograph readability.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in black ceramic with its 'skylight' royal blue Grande Tapisserie dial is lauded for its incredible and unique color shifts, ranging from blue to purple.
The Urwerk / Laurent Ferrier collaboration, initially perceived as Urwerk-dominant, is found to be more balanced, with Laurent Ferrier's influence evident in the case's softness and winding mechanism.
The Konstantin Chaykin Joker watch is gaining affection, with its playful design making it a desirable and smile-inducing piece.
The Tudor Black Bay Bronze, while appealing in press photos, received mixed reactions when viewed in person, with some finding the 'live' colors less convincing.
Despite its unique nature, the FP Journe Chronomètre Monopoussoir Rattrapante Bleu's auction price of approximately 100k was considered somewhat disappointing by some, who expected a higher valuation for such a singular piece.

The Discussion

ImranLondon

Nov 10, 2017

Thanks for sharing, great pictures! If they make the Tudor Green Bronze in Right hand in regular production

its gonna be a killer!! Best Imran

Alkiro1

Nov 10, 2017

Many thanks dear Imran

Well, who knows about Tudor. We can cross our fingers 🤞😉 Best wishes Alkiro

MCG (Markus)

Nov 10, 2017

Thanks a lot Alkiro! 👍🏻😃

Wonderful timepieces - especially the LF one! Would have been great to see it actually on your wrist, regarding size... The Tudor is a bit of a disappointment- this time... 😉

Alkiro1

Nov 10, 2017

My pleasure 🙏

Well, as I wrote, the LF was ok on my wrist (I took a shot but it was so creepy that I preferred to delete it 😊). But, this is not a watch for everyday of course. It’s still massive despite its soften case. Best wishes Alkiro

Ares501 - Mr Green

Nov 10, 2017

Thanks for this live picture..

we all know which watch will fetch highest prize tomorrow Cheers D

Alkiro1

Nov 10, 2017

Thanks my friend. Yes, the PP will reach the sky for sure. No fund so no temptation for me 😁

Best wishes Alkiro