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Old 27 August 2014, 07:52 AM   #1
Sir Larry Wildman
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15202 vs FP Journe Chronometre Bleu

Hi all. Looking to get an opinion, as I am in the market for my next watch, and I have it narrowed down to the two in the title - AP 15202 vs FP Journe Chromometre Bleu. I wanted to go straight to the AP forum, since I know you all have strong opinions, and since FP Journe is my front runner I want to give the other side as much of an opportunity as possible.

While I have a BLNR and Speedy Pro for every day wear, I am looking for a weekend watch, essentially. These two watches just feel *special* when you put them on. They can be dressed up or down, both have the blue dial, both are icons of sort (obviously the 15202 is a true icon and the Chrono Bleu is a newer icon of a modern manufacturer), are around the same price point ($22k for the 15202 vs $20 for the Chrono Bleu), etc. However, both are very different watches - one is very geometric in shape, has the date window, and is worn on a bracelet. The other is very fluid and quirky, has no date window, and is worn on a strap. However, they are both the two watches than sang to be when I tried them on in Bal Harbour this past March.

Does anyone have any strong opinions either way? They are so different than it's hard to compare looks in my opinion. I do like that the FP Journe would fly under the radar a touch more, since it is a less well-known brand (not that AP is very well known outside of us, anyway). But, I do like the history and true icon status of the 15202. But then again, I like the accuracy of the FP Journe. But then AGAIN, I don't like it's manually winding. But the 56 hours of power reserve is nice, when the AP only gets 40. I keep going back and forth!
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Old 27 August 2014, 09:18 AM   #2
bayerische
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Ultimately it's your decision. But if it was me.... AP all the way.
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Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
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Old 27 August 2014, 09:30 AM   #3
Alfredo.
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F.P Journe for me! Although 15202 is great!
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After reading all posts, I agree with Adam!
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Old 27 August 2014, 09:48 AM   #4
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I have the 15202 and tried on my friend's chronometre bleu and I love both. The FPJ is really well executed, and has the amazing blue dial. However, if I can only choose one I would get the 15202 first, as the royal oak icon is quite special. By far my favorite SS watch.
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Old 27 August 2014, 10:07 AM   #5
Vipes
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The AP 15202 is more versatile. I also think the design and fit/finish make it almost perfect ( I am biased since I have one). I have tried on the CB a few times and I really like the gold movement and tantalum case. I just find the dial a little too blue if that makes any sense. In this situation I much prefer the AP. Good luck with your decision.
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Old 27 August 2014, 10:14 AM   #6
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I don't like the dial font on the FP, it is too oversized and inelegant for a high end watch. I think the 202 looks classier, plus you get the wonderful AP bracelet.
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Old 27 August 2014, 11:03 AM   #7
yjfang
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The FPJ CB is my next watch to get so that's what I would vote for. I don't care for the AP 15202 (I think it is over-rated), I'd rather have other RO or ROO's.

The reason for choosing the FPJ CB is not only is it very attractive, but the difficulty involved in making the whole watch is hard to believe.
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Old 27 August 2014, 11:16 AM   #8
kilyung
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I would SERIOUSLY look into the service aspect of ownership. AP service is relatively painless with multiple outlets around the globe but everything I've heard is that getting your FPJ serviced is more complicated. YMMV. Very cool pieces thought.
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Old 27 August 2014, 11:25 AM   #9
s14roller
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Cant wrap my head around FPJ yet.
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Old 27 August 2014, 12:33 PM   #10
GB-man
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I appreciate journe but do so from a distance. I can't help but dislike his demeanor, according to what I hear, and the way I was ignored in the Miami boutique lol

Call me crazy but at this price intangibles come into play. I'll have the 15202 here, although in the US, there's a 3k usd price differential grey market.
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Old 17 August 2016, 10:59 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
I appreciate journe but do so from a distance. I can't help but dislike his demeanor, according to what I hear, and the way I was ignored in the Miami boutique lol

Call me crazy but at this price intangibles come into play. I'll have the 15202 here, although in the US, there's a 3k usd price differential grey market.
Crumpets that's not good. In fact my service was so good I acty emailed FPJ voicing my appreciation. I played with all the toys and got great gifts!! Made me really rethink my choice of perpetual based on that service
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Old 18 August 2016, 12:51 AM   #12
GB-man
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlS View Post
Crumpets that's not good. In fact my service was so good I acty emailed FPJ voicing my appreciation. I played with all the toys and got great gifts!! Made me really rethink my choice of perpetual based on that service
To provide an update since this was bumped I had an excellent experience since then at the NYC boutique and no longer feel this way

What has not changed is my preference for the 15202st here.
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Old 27 August 2014, 12:36 PM   #13
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Both are amazing. I would love to one day own both. They are so great in every way the only way I can give my opinion is based off your collection. You've got the sports watches covered. I think if I were in your position, fpjcb all day
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Old 27 August 2014, 02:04 PM   #14
Hairdude1
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Both are great, AP gets my vote in this case
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Old 27 August 2014, 02:28 PM   #15
mps354
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I would go fpj, but I'm biased since I already have one. The 15202 is great, but I prefer the pp 5711 to the 15202, so I'd go bleu then nautilus
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Old 27 August 2014, 03:41 PM   #16
Cru Jones
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15202 without question. Classic icon and pure beauty. The Journe is lovely, but loses to the Jumbo, even without factoring whether FPJ will exist in 20 years to service the watch.

Good luck with your choice.
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Old 27 August 2014, 03:55 PM   #17
sebastien1975
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AP15202 for me, but i am biased.
The Jumbo is a bit more versatile while the FP is more for dressier occasions - so it depends what you do during your week ends.
Also probably easier to resale the AP in case you change your mind.

Having said that, the FP looks great too
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Old 28 August 2014, 01:46 AM   #18
kb24
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nothing will make u feel as special as buying an AP or a PP... now that you speak of the 15202, its a true classic.. awesome choice if u go for that
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Old 28 August 2014, 03:55 AM   #19
uscmatt99
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I love the FP Chronometre Bleu and Sovereign. For a blue faced watch, however, I'd favor the 15202, a classic and more adept for weekend duties I think. The Journes would be a bit more difficult to dress down in my opinion. In the end, though, you can't go wrong with either option, and there's always room for both!
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Old 28 August 2014, 04:54 AM   #20
subtona
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I own the AP and a friend was kind enough to let me try his FPJ , i like the FPJ very much, the tantalum has a nice weight to it and the watch has a beautiful balance of uniqueness and wearability as a daily.

That said for me the FPJ may find more direct competition from the aquanaut?
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Old 28 August 2014, 05:02 AM   #21
raclaims
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I'm a big fan of FPJ...the newest releases...not as much...but I really dig the craftsmanship and style.
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Old 28 August 2014, 05:13 AM   #22
psv
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One is a true design icon. The other isn't.

Get the one that sings to you the most, in my case it would be the Jumbo. Easily.
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Old 28 August 2014, 06:22 AM   #23
el1125
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Ap
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Old 28 August 2014, 10:45 AM   #24
benlee
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15202 no question. I got the chance to preview the Chronometry Blu at the FPJ boutique in London. It's a very nice watch and the gold movement is a standout but it doesn't IMHO compare to the iconic and gorgeous 15202. It can be a complement to it though being a bit more sporty and suitable for daily wear. Also as Mike points out, servicing an FPJ can be a headache. They even have special screws that requires tools that only FPJ watchmakers have to open the case.
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Old 28 August 2014, 10:53 AM   #25
jvo300
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The AP is a more "all occasions" watch IMO -- FPJ can be dressed down, but only so far IMO. Also, you could consider getting a blue dial 15300/15400 and keep some cash in the bank.
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Old 28 August 2014, 11:05 AM   #26
lapince
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I would go for the AP, it's the next one on my list, the new model is just gorgeous, the blue is amazing, the FPJ has a beautiful movement but the AP is cool also, plus AP has a date, personally hard for me to do without, so your choice but AP for me...
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Old 28 August 2014, 11:18 AM   #27
indigo993
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As watches I prefer the FPJ, but I'd rather own the AP. Unless you bought both...
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Old 28 August 2014, 12:11 PM   #28
B. Doggy
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Err, AP
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Old 28 August 2014, 04:26 PM   #29
joskovic
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AP for sure in this case.
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Old 28 August 2014, 06:59 PM   #30
Fiddy
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FPJ is real nice watch. IMO
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