Imagine the thrill of being around sixty people passionate about FP Journe watches. This was the scene Memorial Day weekend at the Indy 500 where FP Journe invited a group of friends, collectors, and owners to watch this year’s exciting race.
The weekend was inspired by FP Journe's partnership between Lotus and his good friend and Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi.
Unfortunately technical problems with the car’s engine limited his participation in the race but this did not get in the way of the weekend’s excitement.
Many of the guests arrived on Friday and visited the track where thousands of race fans were already in pre-race party mode.
At the garage, the Fan Force United and Lotus teams were making adjustments to the car.
On the side of the Lotus was an image of the Centigraphe Sport.
I didn't have to look far to see one on a guests wrist.
What really caught my eye was the new blackened aluminum limited edition Octa sport that Jean Alesi's was wearing.
As I introduced myself to the other guests my head was spinning seeing so many different combinations of Journe watches. There were two Grand Sonneries present, a rare sight to see and hear. One had a beautiful mother of pearl dial. There was a Vagabondage 2, a rose gold boutique edition of the Centigraphe and titanium CS. A few of us posed for a wrist shot.
I counted at least half a dozen Centigraphe Sport and mentally started recording all the others.
The Chronometre Blue caught my eye, the dial glowing in the sunlight.
There was a gorgeous brass movement chronograph with pink gold dial.
A platinum Octa Divine with diamond bracelet.
And a rose gold Dead Seconds with white gold dial. Absolutely stunning on a brown strap.
There was also a CS boutique edition and black label CS.
One of my favorites was a brass movement YG Calendrier with platinum case.
A special part of the weekend was hearing everyone's story how they first discovered FP Journe and their sharing their experiences with their watches. I was especially pleased to meet a few frequent visitors to this forum!
Before the race I visited the pits to watch the crew prepare for the race. I was fascinated how quickly they can change the tires which I happily timed using my Centigraphe Sport.
One of the mechanics in the team noticed I was wearing the CTS and approached me. He had never seen the watch in person other than the image on the car.
He was surprised how light the watch was and shared it with his friend to examine.
With the race about to start the mood in the Montres Journe Suite was running high. We had the perfect view of the final turn and the main straightaway.
It was exciting to see the FP Journe Lotus pass us by.
Inside the suite guests were grabbing food and drinks escaping from the heat.
But the real fun was sitting outside.
Francois Paul was interacting with all the guests and was in great spirits. What a buzz for him to be surrounded by so many admirers wearing his watches.
Mr. Journe was wearing the new all black aluminum Octa Sport. I asked him if we could swap watches for a while so I could take it for a test spin.
The watch fit perfectly my wrist and I had a big grin knowing we share the same wrist size.
I immediately felt the magic. I loved the look and feel of the all black aluminum case with rubber strap. The design of the dial was more attractive then I had imagined. I really like the contrast and balance between the black dial, the red and white accents, Jean Alesi’s signature and the Indy 500 logo. Looking around the dial there is a day night indicator at nine o'clock, a power reserve indicator just below the ten and eleven, and a big date off centered towards the one. The large sweeping second hand subdial is located at six o'clock and stands out on the dial. Compared to the regular production Octa Sport I much prefer the all black limited edition.
After the race there were hundreds of thousands of race fans exiting the grounds.
Fortunately, Montres Journe had arranged police escorts to get us home quickly.
Special thanks to Francois Paul, Ashley and the entire FP Journe Team for planning and organizing such an unforgettable and memorable event. The FP Journe family continues to grow and I am extremely proud to be a part of it. Thumbs up!!!
- BS22FLY