F.P. Journe Octa Automatique Lune & Elégante Commemoration France / Chine 50

F.P.Journe _ Official Watchmaker France – China 50

Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the French Republic and the People’s Republic of China

Fifty years ago, on January 27, 1964, guided by a visionary spirit and extraordinary political courage, General de Gaulle and President Mao Tse Tung opened the way for exchanges between China and France. France thus became the first major Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing. This gesture, coming during the Cold War, was a strong and courageous move on the part of a future world power that was becoming a force to be reckoned with internationally.

With over 30 years of savoir-faire and creativity, F.P.Journe is the Official Watchmaker of France- China 50 to represent excellence in the field of haute horology. Patron of the event, F.P.Journe has designed the commemorative watches that will be presented during the different events of France-China 50. Leader among the most prestigious horological firms, F.P.Journe has opened an exclusive network of 10 Boutiques over the world, including one rue du Faubourg St Honoré in Paris, next to the Elysée Palace, and 2 Boutiques in China since 2006, in Hong Kong’s Landmark Prince’s Building and one in Beijing’s China World Mall.

The men’s Commemorative Watch Octa Automatique Lune

The Platinum case features a novel blue dial dedicated for this event with gold arabic numerals, hours minutes, small seconds, phases of the moon, an exceptional power reserve of over 120 hours, a large date and the F.P.Journe and France-China 50 logos.  

The mechanical movement with automatic winding in 18K rose Gold beating to a frequency of 21,600v/h is visible through the transparent sapphire back.

The unidirectional off centre F.P.Journe rotor in 22K rose Gold includes a self-locking ball bearing system. Each infinitesimal movement is thus exploited for an optimized winding of the watch.

The ladies’ Commemorative Watch « Elégante » with Jade dial 

Unique model, the Platinum case is set with a row of diamonds and unveils a dedicated translucent Jade dial especially made in homage to China and allowing to see the mechanical parts of the movement.

F.P.Journe has conceived a revolutionary horological concept exclusively for Ladies, combining feminity, elegance and precision. It offers the comfort of use and the performances of an electro-mechanical watch assuring an autonomy of 10 years when worn, and up to 18 years in standby mode.

The mechanical motion detector allows the time to be stopped and started again. When not worn, the watch stops after about 30 minutes. When the « Elégante » is again worn, it automatically sets itself to the correct time taking the shortest path for the purpose of energy conservation.

This 50th anniversary year will be marked by hundreds of events in France and in China, including major exhibitions, such as those highlighting treasures of the partner country: masterpieces from the French National Museums, with retrospective exhibitions devoted to Monet and Rodin in China, and an exhibition devoted to the Han dynasty and one on Chinese lacquer in France. China will be invited to French film festivals in Cabourg and Cannes, and France will be guest of honour at Chinese film festivals in Shanghai and Chengdu.

These events will highlight the wealth of cultural exchanges between the two countries. Amplified by visits of important Chinese and French political figures, they will reinforce the partnership between the two countries and will enrich their mutual knowledge in many areas: science, technology, education, culture and the arts.

This anniversary is the celebration of a rich cultural legacy, but also the reflection of two countries looking together into the future, while remaining faithful to their history and culture, just as F.P.Journe’s constant innovative and contemporary watch creations are inspired by the work of the great 18th century Masters. This collaboration between China and France will renew their collaboration, enrich their socio-cultural exchanges and share of each other’s cultural riches.

Within these France-China commemoration events, F.P.Journe will be the patron of Asia Now, the first Asian Contemporary Art salon that will take place at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, from 7 to 13 October 2014.