Comments:
It does feel as comfortable as other Journe's. As soon as I put it on it, felt like it was mine already and I could just walk out of the boutique. If it was actually for sale yesterday then I would not have hesitated.
I had the camera... but unfortunately no photo's allowed in the Boutique.
Tax deduction? If possible I should consider owning both metals!
Centigraphe Souverain in Tokyo
Within hours of stepping off the plane in Tokyo I knew I had only one destination that day, the Tokyo FPJ Boutique. The Tokyo Boutique is by far the largest and impressive. Located in the exclusive Omotesando shopping area this was Journe's first boutique. The first floor has many display cases, wooden watch maker bench's and a winding stair case to the second floor with even more displays, comfortable sitting areas to view the watches, and a bar. As I reached the top of the stairs I saw the familiar face of a collector friend relaxing and having a chat. To my surprise on the table in front of him was a PT Centigraphe. At that moment Hida-san also made his way up to the top of the stairs to greet me when I said with a smile "I'm here to pick up my Centigraphe!".
Of course the piece was not for sale and would soon return to Geneva for some final adjustments. I did however enjoy the moment of putting it on the wrist and sampling the chronograph functions. I must say that seeing this piece in person is way better then image portrayed in the photo. Most notably is the dial feels less busy when on the wrist. I've seen the piece now a few times. First at the launch over a year ago, again when Mr. Journe visited Hong Kong, a third time at the most recent exhibition in Geneva and finally yesterday in Tokyo. My first observation is that the left subdial hand, where time is measured at 1/100th of a second, is less jumpy then when I first viewed it. I believe Journe has made various modification since providing for a smoother revolution across the 16 stages. Another difference is that all 3 subdials have RED hands. This is a change from the original blue hand, and two reds. The photo's on the website still reflect this. All the subdial hands are made of titanium. The hour/minute hands are steel.
Winding the Centigraphe is a true pleasure. It's by far the smoothest, tightest controlled wind of any of the Journe models. The wind is substantial and very pleasurable.
The size is thinner then the Octa range and thicker then the CS. This will only come in 40mm because of the larger movement.
Of course the most fun part is the Ergonomic rocker that is used to start, stop and reset the chronograph. It's incredibly smooth and easy to use. I spent quite a bit of time trying to stop it at various points on the dial. This patented feature clearly distinguishes this watch from other chronographs.
Delivery is expected in the coming months and it will certainly be worth the wait.
Of course the piece was not for sale and would soon return to Geneva for some final adjustments. I did however enjoy the moment of putting it on the wrist and sampling the chronograph functions. I must say that seeing this piece in person is way better then image portrayed in the photo. Most notably is the dial feels less busy when on the wrist. I've seen the piece now a few times. First at the launch over a year ago, again when Mr. Journe visited Hong Kong, a third time at the most recent exhibition in Geneva and finally yesterday in Tokyo. My first observation is that the left subdial hand, where time is measured at 1/100th of a second, is less jumpy then when I first viewed it. I believe Journe has made various modification since providing for a smoother revolution across the 16 stages. Another difference is that all 3 subdials have RED hands. This is a change from the original blue hand, and two reds. The photo's on the website still reflect this. All the subdial hands are made of titanium. The hour/minute hands are steel.
Winding the Centigraphe is a true pleasure. It's by far the smoothest, tightest controlled wind of any of the Journe models. The wind is substantial and very pleasurable.
The size is thinner then the Octa range and thicker then the CS. This will only come in 40mm because of the larger movement.
Of course the most fun part is the Ergonomic rocker that is used to start, stop and reset the chronograph. It's incredibly smooth and easy to use. I spent quite a bit of time trying to stop it at various points on the dial. This patented feature clearly distinguishes this watch from other chronographs.
Delivery is expected in the coming months and it will certainly be worth the wait.
Temptation draws me in...
Brad; you are killing me with the Centigraph. As someone who loves chronos but never missed his Datograph (too heavy and not a great fit, although a fantastic watch it truely is), is this, seriously, an over the top fantastic casual piece that I Must Have? Does it feel as good on the wrist as other Journes? In other words, should I simply expect that I'll be slayed by the watch and have no choice but to write another check? Is it that good..?!
BB
The Goal is Soul
It does!
It does feel as comfortable as other Journe's. As soon as I put it on it, felt like it was mine already and I could just walk out of the boutique. If it was actually for sale yesterday then I would not have hesitated.
Thanks a lot, bs22, for your post
This was an interesting read, my friend..
Yes, watches are to be seen in the flesh before final judgement, you're totally right.
I always disliked the dial of this watch, but you just reminded me the rule...And I will wait till I can see it.
I think you made the day of all the people who is waiting for this watch to come, with your post!
Best, and thanks for your analysis on this Centigraph!
Nicoas
Indeed as Nicolas has said...
you have made the day of those waiting for this piece. Thanks for the apt description of the watch in the metal complete with new details very near the production model. Interesting and quite reassuring that Journe continually tinkers with his pieces until they are perfect. Goes to show the quality and attention to detail the Man has. Looking forward to seeing it in the metal soon. Thanks again Brad.
And, Where Was Your Camera, Brad?
Appreciate the update. I continue to hear that a number of pieces will be available in the boutiques before the end of the year. I have seen several press releases in the last week on the contributions from each Centigraphe purchase to the ICM Institute (a commitment Journe made in 2007). Have to wonder if, in the US, some portion of the purchase is also a tax deduction. Smile.
Best and thanks,
Douglas
Best and thanks,
Douglas
No Photo's Allowed!
I had the camera... but unfortunately no photo's allowed in the Boutique.
Tax deduction? If possible I should consider owning both metals!
Tax deducted. Definite get BOTH!
You better call up Hida-san right now and otrder the other one. He will slash 5% off the price to account fo Japan tax! Easy as 1-2-3 as I found out when i got both the CS and Resonance from them.
Happy days!
Brings back memories....
I was there just over two years ago, during my short time living in Tokyo. A spectacular store to be sure, but nothing compared to the professional and considerate staff. An outstanding store and showcase for the brand.
thanks for the update brad
and i'm kicking myself for missing when i was there couple weeks ago. like moses said, the FPJ people in Tokyo are really great and a fantastic credit to the manufacture.