In recent years, we've gotten used to seeing F. P. Journe present new complications. But what the watchmaker stands for Only Watch 2021 it's really unexpected. Meet theFFC Blue, an extremely bold and original automaton watch created with Francis Ford Coppola.

The first impression - I confess - was not the best, but after discovering how this spectacular was born F. P. Journe presented on the occasion of Only Watch 2021 I changed my mind, as expected since it was a creation by François-Paul Journe.

This unique piece features no traditional hands but a large human hand, right in the center of the watch, partially covering its complex mechanical movement. The movable fingers of this automaton appear or disappear instantly to display the hours based on their position. The minutes can be read at 12 o'clock thanks to a rotating hand.

The idea of ​​the clock was born during a dinner that François-Paul Journe had with Francis Ford Coppola in 2012. As Journe explains: " He asked me if it was possible to read the time with a hand in a clock. I replied that the idea was interesting and required thinking about it. But how to visualize 12 hours with five fingers? It wasn't easy, and this complex challenge inspired and motivated me. Once he figured it out, Francis immediately sent out the sketches for the finger positions. After more than two years, I could finally focus on “Fecit”. After seven years of development, I am proud to present the FFC prototype. The fingers are inspired by a mechanical hand created by Ambroise Pare (1509-1590), the father of modern surgery.

THEFP Journe FFC Blue for Only Watch 2021 is presented in a 42 mm tantalum case which remains surprisingly thin (10.70 mm) given the complexity of the movement. The blue hand of the automaton is powered exclusively by the barrel of its automatic caliber FFC 1300.3. Operating at 21.600 vibrations per hour, it guarantees 160 hours of power reserve. The movement comprises no fewer than 396 parts and is visible through the visible caseback. The case is crafted in 18k gold and is beautifully decorated in the distinctive Journe style. The 22k gold oscillating weight is engraved with Ambroise Paré (1509-1590) and FFCoppola.

This exceptional creation by FP Journe will surely be one of the most talked about lots of Only Watch 2021.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

FP Journe FFC Blue Ref.FFC

Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 10.70 mm
Material: Tantalum
Glass: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30m

Movement: Cal. 1300.3, automatic, 3 Hz
This unique piece will be sold on November 6, 2021 at the Only Watch charity auction, and is estimated at 300,000 - 400,000 CHF.