Chronometre Bleu vs. Optimum

[rockdrock]

Any verdict on the watch of choice?


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[Niblita75]

Sorry its been awhile! Somehow work from home has become more work than work from office... This was a really tough decision. The Optimum being “Journe’s Watch” is something I really gravitate towards. I also really love the drive to make a more frictionless watch, such as the reverse dead beat seconds. That said, I simply enjoy the Chronometre Bleu dial so much. I can’t put the watch down and find myself wearing it constantly during these unusual times to brighten my day. I felt I wouldn’t get the same enjoyment looking at the Optimum as I do the Bleu, although I absolutely appreciate the ingenuity of the Optimum movement. I would also say that watch I was looking at was 42mm and that did play a part (too big I think - 40mm would make it a bit tougher).

The solution is really to not get rid of the Bleu and hope the stars align to get the Optimum down the road!

[rockdrock]

That makes a whole lot of sense. I hope you keep wearing that beautiful CB to keep brighten your day during these crazy times. You def could not have gone wrong either way, though.

Thanks for sharing your decision.


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[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by Niblita75

Sorry its been awhile! Somehow work from home has become more work than work from office... This was a really tough decision. The Optimum being “Journe’s Watch” is something I really gravitate towards.

Indeed. I hear you.

The CO truly is Journe's ideal watch. When asked how he could improve upon his Tourbillon (which already featured a remontoir) he simply said: "Remove the tourbillon."

And then he made it even better with that special escapement.

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by Niblita75

The solution is really to not get rid of the Bleu and hope the stars align to get the Optimum down the road!

Good decision!

[Bearxj86]

I've seen a few CO with special dials like a mother of pearl. I would personally keep the CB and hold up for one of the special dial ones.

[Niblita75]

What a year. It's interesting revisiting this post following a pandemic. I even forgot that I asked such a question as time has flown buy! While I haven't been active lately, I do have a closing to the original post. I have been very fortunate over the past year given all the has transpired.

Last week I purchased a CO and have kept my CB after much contemplation (I still can't believe the price and how many thought it was over-valued then!). While I am on the list for a CO at a boutique, I couldn't pass up the chance to purchase one sooner as it was exactly what I wanted, a 40mm platinum CO.

All I can say is that I am more than thrilled. While the CB is unquestionably a Journe, the CO is on a different level. The traditional design of the right handed dial, the double rail track hour/minutes and of course the remontoir at 11 o'clock. The more I have thought about it, the more I think this is truly a special watch. It has a connection with the quintessential Journe's (the remontoir with the tourbillion souverain among other aspects) with uniqueness of the escapement. I also forgot how loud the tick is of the remontoir. Its such a lovely reminder of what is on the wrist.

I appreciate all of the help along the way, including the original CB purchase!

[rockdrock]

Congratulations on that OP. This model keeps coming back to me. I love it.


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[ChaseATX]

My favorite piece ! Also my daily. People do notice this reference more than my other Journe’s. Not that they know Journe, but they notice a cool looking watch.

Well done.

[nyc2la]

Congratulations! The Optimum is optimal indeed.

[crod]

The Optimum is a true grail!!!! Congratulations!!!! IMO it was a great decision to keep the CB also

[Skyrider01]

Congrats!

[Jay (Eire)]

Congrats on the Optimum. And that’s a very impressive 3 watch collection now.

[Swaye]

The Optimum is my favorite watch in my collection. Rather easily. Congrats!

[jessiethe3rd]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Also, the CB is at peak value right now.

The furthest from the truth….

Congrats OP! I am on the wait list for a CO at boutique. I’m okay to wait a bit as the climb from the CB to the CO is quite steep. Looking at a 3 year waitlist but I get the same sense you do. The CO is a very special piece. Congrats again!!


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[skyblue8008]

Me too am waiting for my boutique CO, being the important missing piece of my FPJ chronometer trinity. The wait is so long....

Congrats!

[Bearxj86]

The Bleu is special. You can wear it in any scenario, dress it up, dress it down. Tantalum case, best blue dial imho.

I would say keep the Bleu and save up for the Optimum.

If you get the Optimum, you will love it but regret sacrificing the Bleu.

[vandyologist]

Congrats, OP! I agree that the CO is a special piece. I’m not lucky enough to have a CB, but this one definitely does the trick.

[danicasi2002]

Great decision. Love the CO. Hopefully get one in the future. For now, awaiting the CS RG from the boutique.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by Swaye

The Optimum is my favorite watch in my collection. Rather easily. Congrats!

This rose gold case and dial colour combination is the one I will get. It's beautiful.

[jessiethe3rd]

Originally Posted by vandyologist

Congrats, OP! I agree that the CO is a special piece. I’m not lucky enough to have a CB, but this one definitely does the trick.

40 or 42


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