F.P. Journe

Bringing in the New Year with the Octa Perpetuelle

 

Last weekend I spent Christmas in Tokyo and and visited the Tokyo boutique hoping to see the Chronometre Bleu in person. Unfortunately the boutique had not received one yet but they did have another unexpected treat, the Octa Perpetuelle. I had never really considered buying the watch, that is until I put it on the wrist.

The combination of the ruthenium dial, polished titanium case, and rose gold hands, crown and pusher is IMHO absolutely beautiful. The design of the dial and innovative leap year indicator just perfect. The new bordeaux straps are much redder then in the past and the croc is on both sides of the strap. The watch also comes with a black croc strap with a new rubber lining!!! This is awesome particularly here in Asia where the humidity is a persistent problem.

The watch has a certain lightness yet still feels substantial. The watch winds faster thanks to the 1300.3 calibre. The rotor spins effortlessly with virtually no friction. Adjusting the date is so much easier then the Octa Calendrier. The sliding lock makes accidental advancement impossible.

I left the boutique a bit shocked by this unexpected decision and I couldn't be happier! Thanks to the lovely Nakamura-san for giving me the subtle to push I needed to make the plunge and a gracious host of the boutique. Happy New Year!!!