F.P. Journe

F.P.Journe Chronomètre Optimum

The official launch of the new Optimum will be at the Tokyo Boutique on October 5. Unfortunately I don’t have any more insights than the rest of you, and the Manufacture has only released one ‘teaser’ image so far, but I thought it would be interesting to get your impressions of the first really unique F.P.Journe movement and watch in some time.

We knew the Optimum would be focusing on chronometry. I have written about this before but on my wish list was:

Manual wind
Twin barrels with long power reserve
Remontoir to provide stable power
Dead Second display.

I envisaged a ‘super chronometer’ without the tourbillon but with a prominent dead seconds display in place of the tourbillon ‘window’. So the seconds display would be as large as the hour/minute dial. And I did wonder about a new escapement geometry but thought that Mr Journe, being so rooted in 19th century chronometry, would not stray from the Swiss lever design; but he has surprised me before!

And the sneak peak image looks interesting. Definitely manual wind and twin barrels. A remontoir system and a cool seconds ‘dial’ with a scalloped edge. The calibre is Cal. 1510 (15 Lignes and designed in 2010), 40 jewels and the architecture looks very open and we should get a great view of the remontoir functioning. Can you pick up any other clues from the teaser?

Andrew is very excited!

This message has been edited by AndrewD on 2012-09-21 04:02:43

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perhaps this one?

By: dedestexhes : September 21st, 2012-05:07

They talk about a High Performance Bi-Axial escapement... I'm also very curious... Best regards, Dirk

Biaxial escapement

By: AndrewD : September 22nd, 2012-20:59

Thanks for the patent link. Stretched my French, but the sketches look very interesting. If not for the Optimum, then another future F.P.Journe timepiece. Exciting times! Andrew

Wow.

By: RobCH : September 21st, 2012-06:04

No, no idea sorry...but it looks awesome ! Can't wait to see it in the 'metal'...

Thanks for this and the "mysterioso" shot [nt]

By: amerix : September 21st, 2012-10:29

Very excited too

By: donizetti : September 21st, 2012-12:06

Does is look to you like the seconds dial is on the back? I assume if it has a remontoir it will have a dead seconds too! Looks like the piggy bank might be in danger! Best Andreas

I had the chance to see it.

By: foversta : September 21st, 2012-12:51

I met F.P.Journe last week and he was wearing the watch. Of course, I couldn't take any pic. But believe me, it is the best Journe for a long time. The watch is beautiful and at the same time hypnotizing thanks to the Remontoir dial side. Funny to see the...

Lucky you !

By: mark_third : September 21st, 2012-13:03

Now I can't wait to see it ! I hope everything will be clearly explained as some of F.P Journe timepieces are especially difficult to apprehend.

Fx, are you able to tell us this, at least?...

By: pplater : September 21st, 2012-18:43

Do you know if it is to be a limited series, or general edition? You are very fortunate to have seen a finished piece. Hopefully that means that we may see a full photo review in your usual thorough fashion on October 5! Cheers, pplater.

Hey mate

By: BluNotte : September 22nd, 2012-02:04

I will let you know that it is a general edition, in both Pt & RG. PM me if you wish to know more ;) G'Day Stephen

It is not limited as far as I know

By: SJX : September 22nd, 2012-08:24

The concept is intriguing and executed in traditional FP Journe style, though I daresay nothing inside is revolutionary or novel. And then is the issue of how well the new movement will perform in terms of real world reliability. So I reckon it will be cl...

Well, then, should I go to the event?

By: KIH : September 21st, 2012-22:19

I was not directly invited, but a good friend of mine may go and take me as his guest..... Neither of us are that excited, though.... If I go, I will report here, IF they allow me to do so.... Ken

If you do go Ken

By: BluNotte : September 22nd, 2012-02:06

Then i shall see you there! I will be in Tokyo that evening for the event, but late arrival! I believe your friend is also my friend! Wonder if it's the runner....... Tschuss! Stephen

Please go Ken

By: foversta : September 22nd, 2012-10:51

If you don't have an invitation, I can arrange you one... Because Tokyo will be the first boutique to discover it in the metal... and so it can' be missed! Fx

Looking forward to read more!!

By: sidneyc : September 22nd, 2012-00:28

It's a very interesting design... I might say, his genius is back in full force! Looking forward to the details in October!

Selling price of Chronometre Optimum

By: JohnFowler : September 22nd, 2012-10:35

I was told that the selling price will be set between that of a Journe Resonance and tourbillon. I suggest buying it once launched, before the price goes up big time next year with the Fed printing out more dosh. JF

That would be the obvious place ...

By: AndrewD : September 22nd, 2012-20:54

... to price it in the F.P.Journe range. I have given up trying to 'time' my purchases with currency fluctuations, but I do know that F.P.Journe try to keep the prices consistent in all their Boutiques across the world to avoid angst over exchange rates. ...

Please respect the October 6 image embargo

By: AndrewD : September 25th, 2012-07:48

Dear All, There is an embargo on any Optimum photos until October 6 following the world premier at the Tokyo Journe Boutique on October 5. I know that there have been some images circulating on the Internet and many people are excited to see the new watch...