Comments:
Question to the Forum
Dear all
I continue to consolidate my collection.
Want to keep one FPJ only and it doesn’t have to be my current CB.
If I wanted to acquire something below six digits, what would you guys recommend?
Criteria in order of importance:
- white metal / titanium
- high collectability potential / minimal depreciation
- ergonomically comfortable / easy to use
- low key / not attracting too much attention
- Open to useful complications
Have owned a CB for a few years now and before that a gen 1 PT Resonance (which didn’t last too long because I found the two crowns a bit cumbersome).
Would appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
George
I continue to consolidate my collection.
Want to keep one FPJ only and it doesn’t have to be my current CB.
If I wanted to acquire something below six digits, what would you guys recommend?
Criteria in order of importance:
- white metal / titanium
- high collectability potential / minimal depreciation
- ergonomically comfortable / easy to use
- low key / not attracting too much attention
- Open to useful complications
Have owned a CB for a few years now and before that a gen 1 PT Resonance (which didn’t last too long because I found the two crowns a bit cumbersome).
Would appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
George
If it ain’t broke then why fix it
Hi George
If you are still happy with your CB, why not just keep it? You should consider it carefully before selling it.
I would state, if I was to keep one FPJ, it would be a Resonance. I went with 2. Generation as it is easier and more practical than 1. Gen since I wear mine a lot. Otherwise I would say Chronometre Souverain as my second favorite. I consider this watch a notch above the CB.
Some long time collectors swear by the Q but you will have to like the OCTA Automatique.
Its the Octa Calendrier
An annual calendar watch with a retrograde hand.
FPJ Nomenclature has never been totally clea to me, but the code for this model is "Q" and is the suffix after serial no.
Stick with your CB or try a Calendrier
Or... if you like a chronograph, a Centigraphe on the secondary market is incredible value so I don't see much downside there.
A CB is a great watch but if you want something more complicated check out the Centigraphe or Calendrier, and pick the one that appeals to you most!
Best of luck!
Thanks a lot. Indeed the Centigraphe is a lot of watch for the money. From the forums it seems the owners like them a lot [nt]
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I was also going to say Centigraphe.
But only if it appeals to you. Don’t force it. It’s a watch with a a face (dial) only a mother could love! (It’s taken me several years and while I’m still not certain I think I could survive if one was on my wrist!).
Ok...one more controversial one for you:
Elegante 48 Quartz!
Don’t touch with a barge pole
Or
interesting addition?
Not to replace the CB, but to take the quartz slot in the collection.
Thoughts?
Don’t touch with a barge pole
Or
interesting addition?
Not to replace the CB, but to take the quartz slot in the collection.
Thoughts?
I love the Elegante
I think it is just so cool. Just look at Alex picture from today!!! It looks great. It is super light and it sits so well on the wrist due to the curved back. It is a completely unique concept. The only problem, is its getting a waiting list by now. At this point I hear 3-6 months.
I am planning to get one. What is holding me back is I have a a big piece in the pipeline and I have more than a handful of watches I have sworn a holy oath to sell before I make any more purchases. (Watch diet!)
Hi CDK...
...was reading up on the Elegante and came across a data point saying that FPJ makes around 1,500 of these per year on top of the sub-1,000 mechanical watches. Is that correct?
Had never really thought about it that way. Always had the sub 1000 number in mind after speaking to the boutiques and other collectors. Do you know more?
Had never really thought about it that way. Always had the sub 1000 number in mind after speaking to the boutiques and other collectors. Do you know more?
Hi Euroasisanstar
Those numbers you have read somewhere are complete nonsnsense.
F.P.J employs around 25 watchmakers total. They make EVERY watch, including the Elegante. Production is running on max capacity and will not be increased. Number of pieces will vary a little each year, accoding the the specific models being made.
In 2018 - the number of MECHANICAL watches was 626 pieces. The number of Elegante I dont know exactly, but my best guess is no more than - / + 200 pieces. I will look in to it more precisely. FPJ are quite open about numbers, so if you ask at the FPJ boutique they should be able to give you the right one.
hope this helps.
F.P.J employs around 25 watchmakers total. They make EVERY watch, including the Elegante. Production is running on max capacity and will not be increased. Number of pieces will vary a little each year, accoding the the specific models being made.
In 2018 - the number of MECHANICAL watches was 626 pieces. The number of Elegante I dont know exactly, but my best guess is no more than - / + 200 pieces. I will look in to it more precisely. FPJ are quite open about numbers, so if you ask at the FPJ boutique they should be able to give you the right one.
hope this helps.
Elegante Production Numbers
So I did a little bit of digging the past few days:
Tim Mosso of Govberg posted a video earlier this year, saying the Elegante has a run of 1,500 pieces per year and that this volume is counted separately from the mechanical series.
One of the European boutiques claims its around 100 pieces per year. One of the American boutiques said it’s 200-300 and that these numbers are on top of the usual production numbers mentioned (that only cover mechanical pieces).
My take: sounds like TM’s quoted number is too high. 200-300 is probably the range...and that mechanical plus quartz volumes combined, FPJ is getting closer to the 1,000 unit mark.
Either way, still a drop in the ocean vs PP and a fraction of ALS or VC.
Tim Mosso of Govberg posted a video earlier this year, saying the Elegante has a run of 1,500 pieces per year and that this volume is counted separately from the mechanical series.
One of the European boutiques claims its around 100 pieces per year. One of the American boutiques said it’s 200-300 and that these numbers are on top of the usual production numbers mentioned (that only cover mechanical pieces).
My take: sounds like TM’s quoted number is too high. 200-300 is probably the range...and that mechanical plus quartz volumes combined, FPJ is getting closer to the 1,000 unit mark.
Either way, still a drop in the ocean vs PP and a fraction of ALS or VC.
Total average production by FPJ is around 900-950 watches including the entire Elegante line. So mechanical watches average between 650-700ish per year.
the 200-300 estimate of Elegante production is close to reality. Tim Mosso is way off on this one...
I’m not sure if it’s collectible or not
But I really love the Chronometre Optimum. It’s 40mm in PT, it’s got one heck of a movement and the dial is very legible — which means I am inclined to keep it when I grow old and my eyesight turns to crap.
Also taking the chance to thank all of you on the FPJ forum who helped me make that jump. First Journe, but definitely won’t be the last. Loving it!! 👻
Also taking the chance to thank all of you on the FPJ forum who helped me make that jump. First Journe, but definitely won’t be the last. Loving it!! 👻
It is a very important watch in the Journe lineup
And a great design. I really want add one.
Beautiful picture!
Beautiful picture!
Thanks Christian
Exactly, I find the CO to be a very important watch in terms of its concept, that’s why I bought it. For collecting purposes I would have loved to buy the Resonance or even the Tourbillon. The centigraphe is an acquired taste. I’m on the fence but tbh I kinda like it. That busy dial drives me a bit nuts 🤪 but I like it
It took me a little time to fall in love with the dial
But I’m there now.
On an anecdote. When I meet people on the FPJ staff, I often ask them what their favorite FPJ is. It is most often Optimum or Resonance.
On an anecdote. When I meet people on the FPJ staff, I often ask them what their favorite FPJ is. It is most often Optimum or Resonance.
It is collectible for sure. Just wait till it is discontinued 🙃
Elegante
So gents I am seriously considering to take the plunge on the Elegante now.
I have a 16.5-17cm wrist.
Should I go for the 48mm or 40mm?
On the smaller version, what is the diameter of the inner white dial?
Would the smaller case suit a man?
I don’t want it too big and visible on the other hand it shouldn’t look disproportional either.
By background I feel most comfortable with 39-40mm standard round cases
Thanks.
I have a 16.5-17cm wrist.
Should I go for the 48mm or 40mm?
On the smaller version, what is the diameter of the inner white dial?
Would the smaller case suit a man?
I don’t want it too big and visible on the other hand it shouldn’t look disproportional either.
By background I feel most comfortable with 39-40mm standard round cases
Thanks.
Calling Alex and Tlph!!!
My guess is that you take the 48. It is not as big as it sounds due to the shape.
Definitely take the Elegante 48 as the 40 is really meant for ladies and I do not believe you can find one without diamonds
Don’t be misled by the 48 in the name of the Elegante. It is actually the lug to lug length of the watch, 48mm is very manageable on smaller wrists. Here are some pics of the Elegante on my wrist which should be similar in size to yours
Thanks. 40mm is available without diamonds and not in Titalyt, but agree that 48mm is the better size for me. Thanks. [nt]
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I have small wrists... go with the 48. It's measured differently since it's a tonneau shape not round [nt]
No message body
Wrist size
Hello what size is you wrist. Mine is 16,3cm and I hesitate between élégante 40 and 48
Hi Mr. Gatsby
I read your post with interest. I have been thinking about watches from independent makers like FP Journe? I have a 17 cm wrist and currently wear 38-41 mm watches from Patek. 38 to 39mm watches seem to fit me perfectly. How does the 42mm CO wear ? After reading and studying your post and responses I am seriously considering buying an F.P. Journe watch.
The pictures of your FP Journe CO are amazing. Wear it in good health.
The pictures of your FP Journe CO are amazing. Wear it in good health.