The F.P. Journe FFC Blue Only Watch 2021 Breaks Record and Sells for CHF 4.5 Million

Following a tradition established in 2005, the watch industry reveals its best side as more than 50 brands participate in the great Only Watch charity event. Under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and at the initiative of Luc Pettavino, this year is the 9th edition of the biennial charity auction, whose aim is to raise funds for research against Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Perhaps the most original watch in the line-up of models donated to the Only Watch charity auction 2021, F. P. Journe has equipped a model in his iconic Octa collection with an automaton to power the hand of time. Following the impressive result of the brand in 2019, with a CHF 1.8 million for this watch, the brand reiterates for Only Watch 2021 as the F.P. Journe FFC Blue sells for CHF 4,500,000, making it a new record for the brand at auction.

The spectacular F.P. Journe presented on the occasion of Only Watch 2021 is an Octa (which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year). It doesn’t feature traditional hands but instead a large articulated human hand, right in the middle of the watch, partly covering its intricate mechanical movement. The mobile fingers of this automaton appear or disappear instantaneously to display the hours according to their position. The minutes can be read at 12 o’clock thanks to a rotating pointer.

The F.P. Journe FFC Blue for Only Watch 2021 is presented in a 42mm tantalum case that remains surprisingly thin (10.70mm) given the complexity of the movement. The automaton blue hand is driven solely by the barrel of its automatic FFC 1300.3 calibre. Running at 21,600 vibrations per hour, it comes with 160 hours of power reserve. The movement comprises no fewer than 396 parts and is visible via the exhibition caseback. The case is made of 18k gold and beautifully decorated in the distinctive Journe style. The 22k gold oscillating weight is engraved with Ambroise Paré (1509-1590) and F.F.Coppola.

Following the impressive result of the final edition of the AP Royal Oak 15202, F.P. Journe also manages to raise impressive funds for Only Watch and the research against Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as the watch reached CHF 4,500,000 and is now the most expensive FPJ watch ever auctionned.

More details about the watch in our review here.