F.P. Journe

This was extremely difficult. I have vacillated between the two (version 1 and 2) since the DS was introduced in early 2004. But my pick is the DS, primarily because of the contrast and tension between the 'ticking' seconds hand and the 'continuously' moving Tourbillon cage and balance. The symmetry of the DS dial makes it feel like a more dressy, evolved, grown up piece to me (although there is also much attraction in the rawness and asymmetry of the original(s).) The rose gold movement is a luxurious touch and I particularly like the open plate that allows a better view of the functioning remontoir.

Yummy watches. All of them.

Andrew

The original rose gold dial that developed oxidation over time & platinum 38mm case w/ brass movement.  My pictures below clearly shows the oxidation that took place.

I don't know how FP Journe servicing is today, but it took either 5 or 6 months to get my Tourbillon back when it went in for warranty service.

Either way, I still love the original Tourbillon design - the large balance wheel is mesmorizing - and it's still my all time favorite Journe.  Not a big fan of the newer Dead Seconds variant as I find the dial unsymmetrical and unbalanced but that's just my taste. 

I find the FP Journe Centigraphe very intriguing and hope to possibly buy one some day.  It's near the top of my list!

Cheers,
Anthony

Thanks Anthony,

Always nice to see this old lady.

Can I enquire about your experience with the oxidation? How long did it take to develop? What was Journe's solution? Did they swap out the dial or try to treat it in some way? [I understand that there is a stabilization treatment available these days, but I don't know the details.] What is your opinion on the oxidation itself - does it add to the interest of the dial and could it ultimately be considered patination that is desirable, as it is on many vintage watches such as Rolex and Panerai, or is it fault and an eyesore? Did it only happen on the RG dials, which I understand are fairly rare. What was the communication and explanations like from the company over the issue. I realize it was a while ago, but I am still interested.

I like the 'Nanograph' as well, but that's a topic(s) for another thread(s)!

Andrew

and I liked the patina of the dial that developed, so I didn't mention anything about oxidation when I sent in the watch for warranty repair.  Something was wrong with the movement (I forgot what needed to be fixed w/ the movement) so that's why it went back to service, not because of the oxidation on the dial.

I do not know if Journe service center even treated the oxidation as I never mentioned it as a problem with the watch.  The oxidation is only visible at certain angles in the light.

I think the oxidation only occured on the original dials before Journe swapped them and made them more "dull" looking.  The original dials had a sparkle to them which these new dials lack.

Since I complained my service was taking too long, my contact at the Florida Service Center Jamine Bapic (who no longer works there) sent me a Journe belt as a consolitary gift which was a nice gesture.

Cheers,
Anthony

I assume that FP Journe did not change the dial....
Is that correct?

Cheers

.

The Centigraphe is very intriguing indeed....

I wonder if any Purist owns one and his views/experiences with it...
(unfortunately the threads on the Journe forum are no longer available)

Thanks

Cheers

It was great to be able to see all three versions on the same thread and to see how from version 0 to the current model, the watch has changed, (I was going to use the word progressed, but I'm not sure whether that is strictly true?)

But to see version 0 in it's "Raw" state through to the more refined version 2, is great to see.

From a personal point of view. I'm afraid that I would go for the latest DS, purely for it's asthetics and that gorgeous R/G movement.

My wife & i are due to visit Geneva next month, so I feel that a visit to the boutique, will be highly on the cards, so that I can marvel again at this beauty.

Hi Topcat,

Let us know what you find in the Boutique. I gather that no photography is allowed, but many have found the Journe Boutiques to be a lovely 'boutique experience'. Very welcoming, reverential to the watches, and more importantly to the horological arts in general, and a great place to visit.

I would say there has been a consistent evolution across the versions of the Tourbillon. Much like we have seen in the Porsche 911; you certainly know what car/watch you are looking at, from the first to the last. It will be interesting to see where this horological classic heads in the future. And where Journe takes the ideas in other watches. Although a topic for another thread, I am guessing that we might see the remontoir reappearing in a simple chronometer. He has already used it in the VBII. See what you can get out of the Geneva Boutique staff! LOL

Pleased you enjoyed the thread.

Kind regards

Andrew

No photography is allowed....

However, the staff is very welcoming and it is a wonderful experience...

Makes you want to go back...



Cheers

Hi Andrew, you mention that the VB2 has remontoir. May I ask if that's a definite yes?
The last time I ask, the watch has no constant force feature unlike the Zeitwerk which has remontoir.
Maybe I got th ewrong info but would be happy to know that VB2 has remontoir
I hope you are correct
*CL

Hi John,

If you have a look at the FPJ website under the "Technical Description" for the Vagabondage II it states: "1 minute constant force device. Patented EP 1528443."

I have gone searching in the European Patents Office site for this, but can't find it. Perhaps someone else will have more information, but it sounds like it has a remontoir of some sort to me! And it would make sense for a jumping mechanism that is so power hungry.

Andrew

Surprise that it is not widely publicize.
This make the watch special, at least to me
Thank you.
*CL

will very much enjoy your visit....

I was there recently....



Cheers