Editorial The Iconic Masterpiece FFC Watch Redefines Timekeeping in a Unique Way

The F.P. Journe watches stand as a prime example of high craftsmanship and innovative design, combining engineering precision with artistic beauty in a single timepiece. Recently, the appearance of Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, wearing F.P Journe FFC watch caught the attention of many, highlighting its elegant design and uniqueness. Sheikh Ammar, a prominent leader in the UAE, is known for his attention to detail and quality, which is reflected in his choice of such fine timepieces.

In 2021, the FFC Blue watch was unveiled at the Only Watch auction, inspired by a unique prototype created specifically for the occasion. This timepiece is not just a tool for telling time, but a representation of an innovative idea to display the hours through an animated hand whose fingers move as time passes, reminiscent of ancient methods of counting hours on fingers. The concept began in 2009 when Eleanor Coppola gifted her husband, renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, a luxury watch, sparking a conversation with watchmaker François-Paul Journe about unconventional ways of telling time. By 2014, Journe embarked on developing this idea, ultimately creating a complex mechanism that moves the fingers using minimal energy, blending history and technology in a single watch, Inspired by a mechanical prosthetic hand invented by Ambroise Paré (1509-1590). Later, the brand introduced a new version of the watch in silver and black.

The watch comes in a meticulously crafted case made of polished platinum, a rare and durable metal that exudes luxury while offering exceptional resistance to wear and tarnish. The case has a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of just 10.7mm, striking a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. On both the front and the caseback, sapphire crystal is used, providing an extra layer of protection against scratches while offering a clear view of the dial and the movement inside. The transparent caseback allows the wearer to admire the intricate mechanics that power this remarkable timepiece. Despite the complexity of its movement, the case remains sleek and refined.

The skeleton dial of the FFC is a true testament to the innovative design behind the watch. Instead of a traditional set of hands, it features a unique, animated hand with five articulated fingers that move as the hours pass. The hour is displayed through this anthropomorphic hand, with each finger representing a digit from 1 to 12. The hand is carefully sculpted and engraved in titanium, allowing for a lightweight yet durable movement. As time progresses, the fingers rise and fall, providing an engaging and distinctive way to read the hours.

The dial itself is minimalistic yet sophisticated, with a deep background that complements the platinum case. The minute ring, mounted on an extra-flat ball bearing, rotates around the dial, marked by a fixed cursor at noon. The movement of the minute hand is seamlessly integrated into the overall design. This innovative layout eliminates the need for traditional minute and hour hands, instead offering a rotating minute ring and a captivating hand that moves to indicate the passing time.

The watch is powered by the Octa 1300.3 movement, a high-performance automatic caliber developed by F.P. Journe. The Octa 1300.3 features a 5-day power reserve, ensuring consistent performance over an extended period without the need for frequent winding, and operated at frequency 21,600 (3Hz). A key element of the movement is the "remontoir d’égalité",Which was previously explained to us by Bernhard Lederer in a video dedicated to this mechanism.

It comes with a black alligator leather strap, at price CHF 840,000 approximately AED 3,500,000.

For more information, you can visit F.P. Journe’s official website.