FP Journe Bleu vs. Souverain

[JCZ5]

Hi all,

I have been on the Rolex forum for awhile now and you lot have enabled me to purchase a SubC (no-date) and BLNR.

However, I have decided to venture out of the nest and look for a more "dressier" piece that works well from business casual to formal. While giving me a taste of haute horology. I will be giving my SubC to my uncle as he is also a watch nut. Of course, something out means something in

I have posted this question on another forum, but because my watch journey started at TRF, I would like to ask your opinions.

I am torn between acquiring a new Bleu or a pre-owned Souverain in platinum (older model), white dial. I have tried on a rose gold Souverain multiple times, but not the Bleu (very difficult to find one in stock). Yes, many will say go with your heart. However, I can see myself loving both, BUT I can only get one!

The Bleu and its amazing chameleon dial has such charm and uniqueness. The Souverain with its simple white dial is pure class, not to mention a fun power reserve.

See photos (not my own)

[watchucallit]

I own the CS and love it. I think a PR indicator is the most useful complication and I like its placement on this piece. Both are great watches and you cannot go wrong.

[SearChart]

Both are excellent, you can't go wrong as it comes down to personal preference.
If I were in the lucky position to pick one I'd go for the Souverain because I'm a sucker for white dials.

[capote]

Guilloche dial and PR

[mps354]

I prefer the bleu...love the dial and case color

[masyv6]

I prefer the Bleu.

[Hairdude1]

I like the bleu however prefer the CS

[tylerad1]

Guilloche!! Wow!

[JCZ5]

Haha pretty close to call right now. Thanks for your responses so far everyone. Keep them coming!


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[liu_watch]

I highly prefer the bleu.
CS is a great watch for sure.

Tantalum case, beautiful blue dial, perfect size, seal the deal for me.









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[JCZ5]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

I highly prefer the bleu.
CS is a great watch for sure.

Tantalum case, beautiful blue dial, perfect size, seal the deal for me.


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Pictures like that makes me swing towards the bleu! Playful yet fits perfectly in a classy setting



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[onkyo]

The bleu for me .... though both are outstanding.

[liu_watch]

Originally Posted by JCZ5

Pictures like that makes me swing towards the bleu! Playful yet fits perfectly in a classy setting



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IMHO, the Bleu is a unique watch, not just in Journe's portfolio, but across all brands. The use of special materials and coherent color combination are simply sublime.

Btw, the CS shown in photo looks like the discontinued 38mm model, which I think is a great size for a white dial, but size/fit is a very personal thing..., so is everything else :-)


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[JCZ5]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

IMHO, the Bleu is a unique watch, not just in Journe's portfolio, but across all brands. The use of special materials and coherent color combination are simply sublime.

Btw, the CS shown in photo looks like the discontinued 38mm model, which I think is a great size for a white dial, but size/fit is a very personal thing..., so is everything else :-)


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I completely agree! Honestly I'm surprised so many people are leaning towards the bleu. Wasn't the souverain the classic Journe piece akin to the Lange 1 for ALS a couple of years ago?


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[Vaxe]

Bleu

[malarky_hk]

Definitely the Bleu.

[FeelingTheBlues]

First of all, very nice of you to consider a Journe. If budget was not an issue I would definitely take a closer look at those pieces, the man is simply a genius.

That was hard for me to decide, I really like the Souverain and have a little something for power reserve indicators but for some reason the Bleu is more intriguing. The metallic blue dial is mesmerizing and when you think of the percentage of dials for this model that actually make it through quality control it only makes the watch more special.

Bleu has my vote but really you can't make a wrong choice.

[Samui]

I would go with pt. Bleu is too bleu also a pr indicator is a must for me for a manual watch.

[KarlS]

Had the Bleau for 4 months then flipped to CS. I found the dream colour ex hands looked a bit like plastic and not a fan of printed numerals on haute watches. The fact that I also like PR on manual wind was the clincher. I love blue dials but zero regrets

[Flex368]

Souverain for me.

[cervantes]

If it was the newer gold dialed CS I'd prefer that. I'd pick the Bleu in this case, I have it, and it's delightful. (though I'm thinking of switching it for the new gold dial CS!)

[archer75]

For some reason, I did not even think about getting a CS and bought CB straight. I think it is a special piece amongst FPJ collection. Your choice will depend on your own collection too, if you hv some other unique blue pieces, you can go for a CS.


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[Hollister]

Both are gorgeous. By a whisker, I prefer the CS.

[JCZ5]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

First of all, very nice of you to consider a Journe. If budget was not an issue I would definitely take a closer look at those pieces, the man is simply a genius.

That was hard for me to decide, I really like the Souverain and have a little something for power reserve indicators but for some reason the Bleu is more intriguing. The metallic blue dial is mesmerizing and when you think of the percentage of dials for this model that actually make it through quality control it only makes the watch more special.

Bleu has my vote but really you can't make a wrong choice.

Very true, I'm really want a "special" piece and the bleu with its unusual case and difficult dial is truly a work of art on your wrist.

Originally Posted by KarlS

Had the Bleau for 4 months then flipped to CS. I found the dream colour ex hands looked a bit like plastic and not a fan of printed numerals on haute watches. The fact that I also like PR on manual wind was the clincher. I love blue dials but zero regrets

The new CS is certainly a winner! Too bad my budget does not allow me to venture that far. May have to stick with the "entry" models . Btw love your post about your horological journey. Always a pleasure to read. Can't wait to see what's in the pipelines!

Originally Posted by cervantes

If it was the newer gold dialed CS I'd prefer that. I'd pick the Bleu in this case, I have it, and it's delightful. (though I'm thinking of switching it for the new gold dial CS!)

Apparently everyone is switching to the new CS after owning the bleu . I do agree that is a looker!

Originally Posted by archer75

For some reason, I did not even think about getting a CS and bought CB straight. I think it is a special piece amongst FPJ collection. Your choice will depend on your own collection too, if you hv some other unique blue pieces, you can go for a CS.


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The only other piece I have that contains blue is the BLNR, but I don't really count that. The bleu is definitely a special piece in the FPJ collection. I read that Max Busser said it was one of the best 3 watches FPJ makes. That is quite an endorsement!



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[tigerpac]

Originally Posted by JCZ5

I read that Max Busser said it was one of the best 3 watches FPJ makes. That is quite an endorsement!

That is true (Max is awesome by the way, got to meet him at a dinner) but to make your life harder Journe has said the CS was the watch he first wanted to make when he started his company but knew he had to impress everybody with some tourby and technical models first before he could do the watch he always wanted!

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by JCZ5

Max Busser said it was one of the best 3 watches FPJ makes. That is quite an endorsement!

FPJ is one of the "F"s. Out of interest what were the two others?

[subtona]

Bleu

[Dr.Brian]

I love the Bleu. LOVE!
I like stealth luxury that I can wear everywhere because it flies so far under the radar.
I'd sell the Rolex for one if it came up at the right price.

[LPPP]

The finishing is perfect.

But just wondering if the maker had difficulty positioning the subdials in more eye soothing areas of the watch due to mechanism beneath. They look rather random to me. No symmetry and doesn't look intentional. So does the date aperture of the other models as well.

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by LPPP

But just wondering if the maker had difficulty positioning the subdials in more eye soothing areas of the watch due to mechanism beneath. They look rather random to me. No symmetry and doesn't look intentional. So does the date aperture of the other models as well.

The best way to settle this hypothesis would be to contact him and enquire. Let us know how you get on.