The F.P. Journe blancpain replica was first introduced to us when the company announced details of the unique piece that they would be offering at the Only Watch Auction. The prototype, called the Astronomic blue,blancpain replica featured Journe’s signature tantalum dial and case, with a blue dial, fitted with an orange strap. The watch ended up selling for a whopping CHF 1.8m at the Only Watch auction. This was far more than its estimated value of CHF 300k to 600k.
Francois-Paul Journe did not think it was a success. We thought that it was one of the most expensive watches to ever be sold at an auction. He said, when we met in Hong Kong, just before he flew to Dubai, that the hammer had fallen too quickly. It could have been higher.
Only Watch Auction 2019: Journe Astronomic Blue at F.P. Only Watch Auction 2019: Journe Astronomic blue
Journe spent a short time in Hong Kong to show the blancpain replica production version to friends and collectors. The Astronomic Solveraine was a grand complication made of steel with a tourbillon,Rolex Datejust Replica Watches minute repeater and 18 functions. It was devoted to contemplating the stars. This was the most complex timepiece F.P. Journe's creation was the most complex timepiece F.P.
Journe says he did not set out to make the most complex timepiece in his collection. The inspiration for the blancpain replica wasn't even his. Charles, his son, was the one who came up with the idea for the blancpain replica. He had drawn a dial in 2004 which featured a curved opening to show the path of the sun.
"[My son] was at my mother's house while I was returning to Geneva from Montreux Jazz Festival. He tells me that he has drawn a watch. I told him: "That's fantastic!" "You'll show me. He was about 14 or 15," Journe remembers.