Weird dial positioning of FP Journe watches

[Samui]

Does anyone know why fp journe dials are so differently laid out. For example the CB. Why isnt the small seconds centered? The only explanaition that comes to mind is that maybe positioning that way makes the movement thinner. Does anyone know the real answer?

Did you know the winding rotor is off center for octa calendrier? Thats crazy

[fmc000]

Originally Posted by Samui

Does anyone know why fp journe dials are so differently laid out. For example the CB. Why isnt the small seconds centered? The only explanaition that comes to mind is that maybe positioning that way makes the movement thinner. Does anyone know the real answer?

Did you know the winding rotor is off center for octa calendrier? Thats crazy

I can answer for the second question: I read that the off-center rotor increases the torque therefore making the winding more efficient.

[Samui]

Originally Posted by fmc000

I can answer for the second question: I read that the off-center rotor increases the torque therefore making the winding more efficient.

Doesn't make sense. The only way to increase torque is by moving the centre of gravity of the rotor away from its center.

[puppet]

My understanding...It's a pretty simple reason.

In talking with the rep at the NYC boutique, his answer was that Mr Journe wears his watch on his left wrist. An offset dial towards the crown allows him to see the time without having to pull the whole thing out from under the shirt cuff.

I guess sometimes it's really not that technical when it comes down to one person making the call.

BTW, I HIGHLY recommend the boutique on Madison ave. Super informative about the brand. I spent probably 45 minutes sitting and chatting watches with their rep. He was just as interested in my blue Pelagos (it was still pretty new at the time) as I was in their products. He practically forced me to choose a few to pull out of the case so we could play with them!

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by Samui

Does anyone know why fp journe dials are so differently laid out. For example the CB. Why isnt the small seconds centered? The only explanaition that comes to mind is that maybe positioning that way makes the movement thinner. Does anyone know the real answer?

Did you know the winding rotor is off center for octa calendrier? Thats crazy

The off-center seconds looks cooler to Mr. Journe (and the people who buy his watches, naturally). Not everything in life has to be at 90 degree right angles, but to each their own. I understand that Mr. Journe's watch design is inspired by the old, old marine chronometers, clocks, and watches he has worked on and the ones he has collected from the old great masters.

I was recently told that the off-center rotor is part of a design that gives Mr. Journe the possibility of a two-faced design for his watches, should he choose in the future.

[adnjoo]

From the man himself:

FPJ: If I make a center seconds I have to add gears and that is against my philosophy as it adds friction therefore loss of accuracy. It does not make sense to me and there is no logic. You have never seen a marine chronometer with a center sweep seconds [laughs].

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...89#msg_7139762

It's amazing, his watches all design points have a specific function to increase longevity/usability

[adamlea]

FPJ All The Way