F.P. Journe

Dear All,

I am new to the forum and have been mesmirized by Journe's masterpieces. I am planning to purchase the new Octa Automatique Lune, Platinum. I have however a number of questions about this new piece and I would be grateful if fellow forum expert can enlighten me.

1)Moonphase indicators cannot be seen easily. I am not sure whether it was the lighting in the boutique or not, I found the moonphase indicators a little difficult to see when I looked at the watch directly. The shop assistant said it was the shop lighting but I wondered if other members in the forum share the same experience. I can't help to notice in other forum gallery that Octa lune and divine moonphase indicators can be photographed clearly whereas the Octa automatique lune moonphase indicator cannot be photographed. (see attached) What is going on? Would existing Octa lune/ divine/ automatique lune owners care to comment? Was the moonphase indicators made of different materials in the new series?

2) Which movement is more accurate : the CS or Octa automatique lune?

3) Will I be able to choose original metal bracelet or leather bracelet? What's the price difference in general?

Thanks for your opinion.

 

John

As far as I know, there is no difference materially between the moonphase discs between the various FPJ models. I've noticed that the indoor lighting in the boutique does seem to render the moonphase display very dark, and difficult to see. Take the watch outdoors, or in natural light, and it's much more visible.

As to the accuracy, I would guess that the CS is marginally more accurate, but I've not seen any accuracy tests of the Octa movement to compare directly.

For the bracelet, note that on some models, the bracelet is welded to the case and is therefore not interchangeable. Perhaps someone else can jump in and let us know exactly which models. I've not seen bracelet models on display, other than the diamond versions, so I think that the bracelet needs to be ordered special ordered in any case.

The moonphase on the Octa Automatique does appear darker partly because of lighting and also because of the color combo; silver moonphase against a deeper, richer dark blue background vs gold moonphase against blue background.  I have not compared the two backgrounds side by side but you have certainly given me reason to visit the boutique this weekend and will report back.  In previous experience of seeing the Octa Automatique the moonphase does "light up" and when th light catches it the right way especially outside. 

As for accuracy it's a touch call.  If I had to guess I would say the CS but not by much if any.  The platinum bracelet can be specially ordered and will be specially fitted by Montres Journe in Geneva.  As for price... let's just say you could probably buy 175 leather straps in its place  

 

 

 

Thank you very much for sharing your views and knowledge. I guess for a truely functional watch, the moonphase indicator should be visible under all indoor lightings yellow or white. Perhaps Montres Journe can consider this in his next project to make an already faultless piece perfect. I look forward to your reply after your visit to the boutique.

I agree.  It seems to me that the moonphase on my Octa Lune is not very visible when I look at it directly.  It is only more visible at a particular angle, which is a pity. 

Thank you so far for all the comments. I would be grateful if current owners of Octa Automatique Lune can kindly comment. In your experience, do you find the moonphase indicator difficult to see?