F.P. Journe’s Playful Side

Apart from maybe Lange, there aren’t many more serious watch brands than F.P. Journe. Led by the genius of the same name, F.P. Journe focuses on the highest possible watchmaking, (rightfully) earning itself the position among the best horology manufacturers in the world.

 

Serious designs for serious watches.

 

But even Journe can have some fun.

 

Photo source: The New York Times

 

Earlier in his career, when François was looking for the first retailers for his Haute Horlogerie creations, the Belgian establishment Ginnoti helped him out, being among the first retailers who offered his timepieces to the world. The owner, Gino Cukrowitz, saw the potential in young François, giving him the opportunity of his lifetime. The rest is history.

 

To this day, Journe hasn’t forgotten who stood by his side when he had nothing, so to commemorate this friendship, he designed a special version of his Octa Lune exclusively for the Belgian retailer.

 

And what better show of true friendship than a high-end watch with a peeing child on its dial?

 

Photo source: Getty

 

The actual motif of this limited edition Octa Lune is the famous symbol of Brussels - the Manneken Pis. Only 10 pieces were made, so it’s very rare even by F.P. Journe standards.

 

Some say that it symbolizes Gino’s “joie de vivre” and serves as a constant reminder to not take life too seriously. If anyone could convince François to make this piece it would be Gino.

 

What is your opinion on this timepiece? Retail, it goes for around 62,000 Euros.

 

But good luck finding this in retail…