During his recent appearance on This Past Weekend with comedian Theo Von, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg drew attention not just for his candid remarks on AI and the future of social platforms, but also for the ultra-rare timepiece on his wrist: the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu Byblos Limited Edition. Estimated to be worth around $350,000 on the secondary market, this elusive watch is a grail piece for serious collectors — and a statement of refined taste in independent haute horology.
Zuckerberg seems to have developed a pattern of showcasing F.P. Journe watches during podcast appearances. On The Joe Rogan Experience, he wore the stunning F.P. Journe FFC, a collaboration with director Francis Ford Coppola. In a separate conversation with video journalist Cleo Abram, he opted for the elegant Chronomètre Souverain Havana. Each choice reflects a deliberate appreciation for the mechanical artistry and rarity that defines the Journe brand.
The Chronomètre Bleu Byblos is a particularly special piece. Released in 2014 to commemorate the opening of F.P. Journe’s boutique in Beirut, Lebanon — the brand’s tenth globally — it is limited to just 99 pieces. The name “Byblos” pays homage to the ancient Phoenician city considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. This sense of legacy is embedded in the watch’s aesthetics and symbolism.
The Byblos retains the signature 39mm tantalum case of the original Chronomètre Bleu, a rare bluish-grey metal known for its density, corrosion resistance, and difficulty to machine — making it both beautiful and technically demanding. But what truly sets the Byblos apart is its partially open-worked dial, which offers a tantalizing view of the hand-finished 18k rose gold base plate beneath. A guilloché barleycorn motif decorates the visible surface, while the vivid Mediterranean blue chapter ring, bearing subtly resized numerals, frames the display.
Powering the watch is F.P. Journe’s Calibre 1304, a hand-wound movement with twin barrels that deliver a 56-hour power reserve. The bridges and base plate are made entirely of 18k rose gold, a signature of the brand. The hands are rendered in white — unlike the silver hands of the standard model — creating a crisp contrast against the dial.
Paired with a tan buffalo leather strap and worn discreetly under a cuff, the Chronomètre Bleu Byblos is not merely a luxury statement, but a reflection of Zuckerberg’s quiet but growing fascination with independent watchmaking. It also signals a more personal, perhaps more human side of a tech billionaire who increasingly appears to be curating his public image with thoughtful, analog choices.
