Chronometre Bleu vs. Optimum

[Niblita75]

This is a bit odd writing this as just a month ago I purchased a F.P. Journe Chronometre Bleu. I absolutely love it and I would guess that its taken up 50% of my wrist time since arrival. I find that i can just wear it with almost anything, even lululemon work attire now that we a lot of us are working from home!

What I have found is that I am wearing my Lange 1815 moon phase a lot less. I also own a Rolex Deepsea Sea Dweller. Maybe I am just a two watch person? I’m not sure.

What I am debating is trading my Bleu and 1815 moon phase for an Optimum. I am always attracted to technical complexity (the 1815 moon phase function is accurate to 1,058 years!) and I also feel like the Optimum has more Journe DNA in it. Will it be a classic 10 years from now? No idea.

Interested in thoughts. Am I crazy? Does it make sense?

[Jay (Eire)]

The Optimum is FP’s watch, or so the story goes. The watch he wanted for himself. Technically it gives you something, and more importantly it is also a very attractive piece in the metal.

The CB is what you say, one of the most versatile watches you could have. That is an absolute bargain at retail.

I saw go for it. Or wait a few months an buy the new Resonance which will be as good as two Optimums. But you might need to add $70k or more plus those two watches to make that trade happen.

[Niblita75]

Originally Posted by Jay (Eire)

The Optimum is FP’s watch, or so the story goes. The watch he wanted for himself. Technically it gives you something, and more importantly it is also a very attractive piece in the metal.

The CB is what you say, one of the most versatile watches you could have. That is an absolute bargain at retail.

I saw go for it. Or wait a few months an buy the new Resonance which will be as good as two Optimums. But you might need to add $70k or more plus those two watches to make that trade happen.

I’d love a new or old Resonance! It was actually that watch that got me interested in horology over a decade ago. A client was wearing a platinum with white gold dial version and I immediately fell in love. Unfortunately it feels like the new one will be well out of my range, but I cannot wait to see what Journe has in waiting for us all!

[Justindo]

I personally would much rather have the Chronometre Bleu and a Lange 1815 moonphase over an Optimum, but that's just me. I also happen to think Lange makes a superior watch to Journe but that's also just me.

[le_baron]

Originally Posted by Justindo

I personally would much rather have the Chronometre Bleu and a Lange 1815 moonphase over an Optimum, but that's just me.

It's not just you, Justindo; I agree!

[Niblita75]

Originally Posted by Justindo

I personally would much rather have the Chronometre Bleu and a Lange 1815 moonphase over an Optimum, but that's just me. I also happen to think Lange makes a superior watch to Journe but that's also just me.

I know there is an endless debate on Lange value, but I agree that they make absolutely fantastic watches with beautiful finishings!

[lanteanflux]

id Say generally the optimum is not a substitute for the CB. It’s a weird swap, the only similarity they share is the same maker. I’d keep CB and look to add a more signature Journe with the right sided sub dial, whether that be the optimum or something else. That’s what I’m trying to do too.

[WatchEater666]

The optimum is my dream and amazing in person. An amazing piece.

[AuspiciousCat]

I would keep the CB, and save up for the CO. Most of my regrets are for watches that I have sold/traded, as opposed to those that I failed to acquire. You might regret selling the CB in the future.
Don't you feel the DSSD to be a little big after getting used to the CB? Maybe you can sell that to add to the budget of the CO?
Keep us posted! Good luck!

[outdoors_guy]

It sounds like the CB gets plenty of wrist time and you really like it. Why get rid of the CB? you could get rid of the ALS and keep the CB. Do you like the Optimum more than the CB?

I take the view that it is better to have 1 watch you really love than 10 you just like.

It does not sound like you are trying to build a photogenic collection, but rather you just want to get watches you like and will enjoy wearing. If that is the case, this swap absolutely makes sense if the Optimum is a watch you really love.

[kunlun]

Look at the back (or front or side or from any orientation), you really think the CB doesn't have Journe DNA???

It's FPJ, all his watches are his watches.

The optimum is a fine watch, but so is the CB. Maybe give it a week and see if you are not caught up in something.

The Rolex and the ALS could go toward the optimum, though.

[Niblita75]

Originally Posted by kunlun

Look at the back (or front or side or from any orientation), you really think the CB doesn't have Journe DNA???

It's FPJ, all his watches are his watches.

The optimum is a fine watch, but so is the CB. Maybe give it a week and see if you are not caught up in something.

The Rolex and the ALS could go toward the optimum, though.

That’s totally fair. Just my opinion that when I think of the brand, I think Resonance and Tourbillon Souverain w/Remontoire and Dead Beat. The Bleu absolutely has Journe DNA, but it’s those first two I think of when I think Journe.

[GB-man]

This is an absolute go for me. I love the optimum.

[uscmatt99]

I'd do that trade for the CO in a heartbeat. Combined with a DSSD you've got a versatile selection.

While the CB is a wonderful piece, it remains a 3-hander time only watch. The CO gets you the double barrel mainspring that the CB and CS offer, a rementoir, and a unique escapement. The aesthetics are classic Journe, and the 40mm version wears well.

[WatchEater666]

Surprised there's so much love the CB here. It's a really cool watch, but at current prices I would much rather have another Journe piece with more going on!

[unknown]

optimum for the complication ... but for the looks you just can"t beat the CB ( imo with any other watch)

[impinth06]

I brought my 42mm CO this Feb and I absolutely love it. Though decision to make for OP, but I wish I had a CB so I won’t trade that one.. Lange+cash would be my way

[mps354]

I’d go optimum as well

[thekman]

No that I have experienced either on my wrist but the optimum looks much more interesting. CB is a nice watch but I do not get the 30k premium people are paying for it.

[JR16]

I haven’t seen any CO 40mm for sale and for me I would take the CB in a heartbeat over the 42 CO (ignoring premiums) simply because of fit/size.

(For full disclosure I have a CB and would never sell it barring a financial calamity)


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[mps354]

Originally Posted by JR16

I haven’t seen any CO 40mm for sale and for me I would take the CB in a heartbeat over the 42 CO (ignoring premiums) simply because of fit/size.

(For full disclosure I have a CB and would never sell it barring a financial calamity)


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This is a good point, I’d go for the 40mm optimum but I only see 42s for sale. What’s retail on the 40mm in platinum?

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by mps354

This is a good point, I’d go for the 40mm optimum but I only see 42s for sale. What’s retail on the 40mm in platinum?

I'd just ask the folks at WatchBox. They might have a 40 sitting around waiting for the 42's to move before they list it.

[d11n]

Optimum is as much fun to stare at from back as the front ...rose gold case to match the movement is beautiful to see in person.

[Niblita75]

I’m actually a little surprised. There have been some good points made. It seems to come down to looks versus function. I was maybe 55/45 thinking of doing it. Now it’s maybe 51/49. Not a bad problem to have of course.

With regard to the Rolex DSSD, that one I am definitely keeping forever. It was my first big purchase after getting my first job out of college. The Lange was more or less an impulse by, especially when I found out you didn’t have to purchase the whole Homage to F.A. Lange set for some $400k!

[galtinuk]

The CB is a great watch.. I would consider a trade though for an optimum 40.

Not an easy choice as the CB has such a fantastic combination of materials and the dial--it is sort of a keeper forever. Not to mention, it is a three hander so servicing will be relatively low. Also, there is a good chance it is discontinued which should help--at the very least production seems to be going lower.

[GreenLantern]

The Optimum is truly incredible. My favorite watch in my collection.

It is, indeed, FP's "ideal" watch. He said it many times that the only way to improve his Tourbillon (from a chronometric perspective) was to remove the Tourbillon. And that's essentially what the Optimum is.

Also, the CB is at peak value right now.

[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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[ialienam]

Well... I am in a similar position too.

trying to get a black label optimum OR the new resonance.
Love the optimum dial and deadbeat. But the new resonance is wow... Can't believe Journe manages to take it to the next level, and I love the new dial design (I know, it's a love or hate thing) and crown position is much more practical.

People always saying resonance is what makes he is today.

[jenniferjanef]

If you bought your CB a month ago at retail, you will regret if you want to buy back another CB after. They are getting harder n harder to come by at retail price.

[erredi7734]

Great watches! all of them.
I would first of all wait a couple of weeks. then if you are not still using the L&S, i will move that one (I am a big Lange fan but it's your wrist/$)