F.P. Journe question

[Juan Luis]

Hello,
Anyone can give me heads-up about availability of CHRONOMÈTRE BLEU in the boutiques. I've seen this going at double MSRP. Is this the same as Rolex with the hot steel models? Just wondering if going to their AD's is a waste of time.
Thanks.

[golfinz]

Waste of your time. The only thing known about buying a CB new is that if you're current a FPJ client, it's nearly impossible to get (wait list is rumored to be years). If you haven't bought an FPJ from a boutique or AD, it is impossible to get a new CB.

If you want it, you'll have to buy second hand.

[Juan Luis]

Originally Posted by golfinz

Waste of your time. The only thing known about buying a CB new is that if you're current a FPJ client, it's nearly impossible to get (wait list is rumored to be years). If you haven't bought an FPJ from a boutique or AD, it is impossible to get a new CB.

If you want it, you'll have to buy second hand.

Thank you.

[GreenLantern]

Unfortunately this is true.

Part of it is also due to the difficulty in creating the dial. Even though it's thought of as the entry-level FPJ, it's by no means entry-level to produce.

A CS should really be considered the entry-level (vs. the CB).

[WatchEater666]

Pretty much impossible to get like the others said.

[Swaye]

Purchased two FPJs from an AD in a 6 month span and still at the back of a 7 year line. I think the only reason I even got on the list was those two purchases. Boutique said no chance to even get on the list. So I bought it second hand. Life is too short to wait 7 years on any watch. That's absurd.

Was it worth it? You bet!

[golfinz]

Agreed - if the CB is what you want, get it. Life is too short.

[Bearxj86]

Given the failure rate of the dials and the difficulty to make/finish Tantalum cases, the CB has to be the lowest margin product they have.

Lowest margin would make it the hardest to obtain. Thus it is far from entry level.

Just like a Patek 5711 blue is harder to get than a grand complication, the same is true here.

Go grey, I don't see the CB prices going down anytime soon.

[Pongster]

Cant believe how a 20K watch now sells for 45K.

Just lucky was able to snag one at the Tokyo boutique two years ago.

Definitely worth it at 20K. Just not sure if still worth it at 45K.

At that price, i might aim for a centrigraphe.

But that blue dial is just mesmerizing. And i think they may have tantalum deployant clasps now. It was still being developed i was told when i got mine.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by Pongster

Cant believe how a 20K watch now sells for 45K.

Just lucky was able to snag one at the Tokyo boutique two years ago.

Definitely worth it at 20K. Just not sure if still worth it at 45K.

At that price, i might aim for a centrigraphe.

But that blue dial is just mesmerizing. And i think they may have tantalum deployant clasps now. It was still being developed i was told when i got mine.

Agreed. I liked the idea of FPJ a while ago due to bang for buck but I don't see the point at current prices.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Pongster

Cant believe how a 20K watch now sells for 45K.

Just lucky was able to snag one at the Tokyo boutique two years ago.

Definitely worth it at 20K. Just not sure if still worth it at 45K.

At that price, i might aim for a centrigraphe.

But that blue dial is just mesmerizing. And i think they may have tantalum deployant clasps now. It was still being developed i was told when i got mine.

Was told by the Boutique it is a 25K watch now, so 27 if you are paying tax. Point still stands though and is valid. It is a very expensive proposition. Also, I think the days of Centigraphes at 45K are long gone. Upper 50's now. FPJ has blown up and many who say the value proposition is being lost might be correct.

I still feel there is great value when compared to Patek.

[sgfortino]

Originally Posted by Swaye

Was told by the Boutique it is a 25K watch now, so 27 if you are paying tax. Point still stands though and is valid. It is a very expensive proposition. Also, I think the days of Centigraphes at 45K are long gone. Upper 50's now. FPJ has blown up and many who say the value proposition is being lost might be correct.

I still feel there is great value when compared to Patek.

To me, the value proposition is still there as a watch to buy and hold, maybe less so if appreciation is important. When compared dollar for dollar to other comparably priced watches, I still think FPJ watches are great value. The pieces are just very interesting and aesthetically pleasing to me across the lineup.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by sgfortino

To me, the value proposition is still there as a watch to buy and hold, maybe less so if appreciation is important. When compared dollar for dollar to other comparably priced watches, I still think FPJ watches are great value. The pieces are just very interesting and aesthetically pleasing to me across the lineup.

Absolutely agree. I do not make a habit of paying over retail for watches, but the CB was a special case. I went into it eyes wide open and said "hey, this may not be the worlds greatest idea from a purely financial perspective, so you better make sure you love it and hold it." I do not delude myself with most watch purchases. I have been collecting for 15 years and have owned over 50 watches during that time. Only 11 remain. Of those probably a half a dozen are sure fire keepers for life that have stayed with me in many collection purges. I knew with the cost of the CB it was going to be one of those for sure keepers. So cost really does not matter to me in that scenario. Potentially terrible watch to buy second hand if you think you might flip it in a year (but who knows if FPJ changes the watch, as many are surmising will happen, then maybe mid 40s will seem cheap one day).

[sgfortino]

Originally Posted by Swaye

Absolutely agree. I do not make a habit of paying over retail for watches, but the CB was a special case. I went into it eyes wide open and said "hey, this may not be the worlds greatest idea from a purely financial perspective, so you better make sure you love it and hold it." I do not delude myself with most watch purchases. I have been collecting for 15 years and have owned over 50 watches during that time. Only 11 remain. Of those probably a half a dozen are sure fire keepers for life that have stayed with me in many collection purges. I knew with the cost of the CB it was going to be one of those for sure keepers. So cost really does not matter to me in that scenario. Potentially terrible watch to buy second hand if you think you might flip it in a year (but who knows if FPJ changes the watch, as many are surmising will happen, then maybe mid 40s will seem cheap one day).

Couldn’t agree more and same conclusion I came to on the CB (and my 38mm Octa Lune for that matter too).

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Swaye

Absolutely agree. I do not make a habit of paying over retail for watches, but the CB was a special case. I went into it eyes wide open and said "hey, this may not be the worlds greatest idea from a purely financial perspective, so you better make sure you love it and hold it." I do not delude myself with most watch purchases. I have been collecting for 15 years and have owned over 50 watches during that time. Only 11 remain. Of those probably a half a dozen are sure fire keepers for life that have stayed with me in many collection purges. I knew with the cost of the CB it was going to be one of those for sure keepers. So cost really does not matter to me in that scenario. Potentially terrible watch to buy second hand if you think you might flip it in a year (but who knows if FPJ changes the watch, as many are surmising will happen, then maybe mid 40s will seem cheap one day).

Agree 100000000% and well said. Love your perspective.

If you want a CB, damn the cost and get it. She's a keeper.

[Mills_]

Originally Posted by Pongster

Just lucky was able to snag one at the Tokyo boutique two years ago.

From memory, you beat me by a handful of months. By the time I requested one in November 2018 at the Tokyo Boutique they took my name and told me two years. Somehow I doubt they will ever deliver.

In the end I bought one in April 2019 second hand for 27.5 USD. I can't complain. If they ever deliver me a new one (against all odds), I'll keep that one and sell the one I bought second hand.

[Pongster]

Originally Posted by Mills_

From memory, you beat me by a handful of months. By the time I requested one in November 2018 at the Tokyo Boutique they took my name and told me two years. Somehow I doubt they will ever deliver.

In the end I bought one in April 2019 second hand for 27.5 USD. I can't complain. If they ever deliver me a new one (against all odds), I'll keep that one and sell the one I bought second hand.

If i recall correctly, i inquired early 2018 and i was told a 3 month wait.

So I ordered and paid 50% in March 2018 as my Tokyo trip was scheduled for June.

One month later they told me the watch is available for pick up. I told them my June trip might be pushed later in the year. Told them later i would be coming October.

Then sometime July they asked me if they could sell my watch to another. They promise a CB will be available when i get in October.

True enough, October came and picked it up. Had to pay it beforehand though so no Japan taxes.

Only regret i have was not being able to time my visit with FPJ’s visit. He was in Tokyo two days after my pick-up. I was invited to the event but i was scheduled to be in another part of Japan that night. Had i known earlier.

Well, i have another regret. Not getting a deployant. But a tantalum deployant was still in development then.

[rockdrock]

Originally Posted by Mills_

From memory, you beat me by a handful of months. By the time I requested one in November 2018 at the Tokyo Boutique they took my name and told me two years. Somehow I doubt they will ever deliver.

In the end I bought one in April 2019 second hand for 27.5 USD. I can't complain. If they ever deliver me a new one (against all odds), I'll keep that one and sell the one I bought second hand.

Hey Mills, what a collection you have. Nice. Can you put more pic of your CB with that green strap? It looks so interesting. Thanks. Also, congrats on the real good price on your CB.


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[motisingh]

This is my ultimate dress watch. Just love the blue dial!

[Pongster]

I guess for OP it would boil down to how much he wants a CB. Like the steel sports watches, availability is not an issue. It’s the premium (almost double) you have to pay.

As an aside, what i like about my CB purchase is that it epitomizes the combination of my love for travel and watches. We dont have all nice watches available in the Philippines. Even grey. So what i do is when i know i have an upcoming trip, i order online from an AD or sellwr based where i am going and pick up from there. With covid, those days are gone as well (for the mean time).

[Juan Luis]

Originally Posted by Pongster

I guess for OP it would boil down to how much he wants a CB. Like the steel sports watches, availability is not an issue. It’s the premium (almost double) you have to pay.

As an aside, what i like about my CB purchase is that it epitomizes the combination of my love for travel and watches. We dont have all nice watches available in the Philippines. Even grey. So what i do is when i know i have an upcoming trip, i order online from an AD or sellwr based where i am going and pick up from there. With covid, those days are gone as well (for the mean time).

Yes. Maybe it is worth the premium. And as some have stated. The current price could be "cheap" in the future. A Journe watch would be one of the keepers in my collection, compared to others that might not last a decade.

Thanks to all for your input!

[Pongster]

So because of the dial and case material, not that easy to produce the CB?

Unlike the Nautilus, Royal Oak or Daytona - that is, if PP, AP or Rolex want to, they can ramp up production since just SS?

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by Pongster

So because of the dial and case material, not that easy to produce the CB?

Unlike the Nautilus, Royal Oak or Daytona - that is, if PP, AP or Rolex want to, they can ramp up production since just SS?

The CB is actually Journe's most difficult watch to produce. Only about 30% of the dials make the cut, the rest have to be discarded. And the tantalum case is more difficult to work with than steel or gold.

They used to manufacture around 200 CBs per year. The production has been cut down to 100 pieces per year now.

[BigAppleBill]

The supply and demand equation for the CB, combined with the likelihood it will be revamped or discontinued in the coming years, makes this watch a no-brainer to own. Expect to see prices remain steady or continue to go up. I really love wearing this watch!

[GreenLantern]

Feels like beginning of 2019 is when things started to get insane.

[enjoythemusic]

Came VERY close to getting a CB yesterday, my heart says yes yes YES, yet my mind says no due to the fact i exxxxxxtremely rarely ever wear dress timepieces. Yet damn, the CB is the one to get regardless of street price imho.

[Watchristic]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Came VERY close to getting a CB yesterday, my heart says yes yes YES, yet my mind says no due to the fact i exxxxxxtremely rarely ever wear dress timepieces. Yet damn, the CB is the one to get regardless of street price imho.

Did you say no cb at retail?

[stonejordan]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Came VERY close to getting a CB yesterday, my heart says yes yes YES, yet my mind says no due to the fact i exxxxxxtremely rarely ever wear dress timepieces. Yet damn, the CB is the one to get regardless of street price imho.

Certainly dressier than most sport watches, but I did put a light brown strap on mine and wear it around town in shorts and t-shirts regularly. Can definitely be dressed down. I probably wear mine twice a week and am rarely dressed up nowadays.

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Came VERY close to getting a CB yesterday, my heart says yes yes YES, yet my mind says no due to the fact i exxxxxxtremely rarely ever wear dress timepieces. Yet damn, the CB is the one to get regardless of street price imho.

Originally Posted by stonejordan

Certainly dressier than most sport watches, but I did put a light brown strap on mine and wear it around town in shorts and t-shirts regularly. Can definitely be dressed down. I probably wear mine twice a week and am rarely dressed up nowadays.

With the large selection of quick change straps, the CB can be dressed down quite a bit. Especially on a light colored strap.

I too rarely get dressed up. The nice thing about the CB is that it can be worn just as well with shorts and a T-shirt as it can with a suit.

[enjoythemusic]

Around $40-ish, yet as much as i'd love to have one, it simply doesn't 'fit' into my current lifestyle. That's also why i dumped all but one PP (kept a rare vintage model based around the Piaget 9P movement).