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Let us share with you the captivating tale of F.P. Journe, a brand that exudes excellence and luxury in the world of horology. The journey of François-Paul Journe, the founder, began long before he established his own watch company in 1999. Born in the enchanting port city of Marseille, France in 1957, his passion for watchmaking was ignited in the cradle of France.
At the tender age of 14, he enrolled in a technical college and honed his skills. Years of hard work and dedication culminated in his graduation from the Paris watchmaking school in 1976. A mere two years later, Journe began working on his first tourbillon pocket watch, inspired by a George Daniels pocket watch that he had glimpsed on a client at his uncle's watchmaking studio. The master watchmaker would later be mentored by none other than the legendary George Daniels, the mastermind behind the Co-Axial Escapement.
At the age of 22, Journe was commissioned by Parisian ateliers P-G Brun to design a planetarium mechanism for Asprey in London. He worked tirelessly for seven years, and in 1983, he completed his first tourbillon pocket watch. He created the watch in his free time when he wasn't busy working for his uncle. François-Paul meticulously crafted every component of the watch, including the gold and silver case.
In 1985, Journe established his workshop where he created bespoke watches for collectors. A year later, F.P. Journe's first automatic chronometer pocket watch was born. This horological masterpiece housed a fusée chain and a five-second remontoire, along with a retrograde perpetual calendar and equation of time. In 1987, he crafted a planetary pocket watch that was commissioned by a collector.
Journe's skills and passion for watchmaking earned him several prestigious awards over the years. He received recognition from the Fondation Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet pour la Vocation, the Watchmakers Convention in Madrid, the Institut l'Homme et le Temps' Gaia Award for the Best Watchmaker, and the Prix Spécial du Jury.
In 1989, F.P. Journe established a movement manufacturer in Switzerland, where they eventually settled in Geneva. In 1991, Journe crafted his first wristwatch, creating the entire movement out of 18k gold. Just a few years later, in 1996, he founded TIM SA, a manufacturer dedicated to developing exclusive calibers.
The Tourbillon Souverain was launched in 1999, along with the newly established Montres Journe SA. The watch was inscribed with the words "F.P. Journe – Invenit et Fecit," which translate to "invented and made," signifying that it was an original conception crafted by only the best of craftsmen.
F.P. Journe continued to grow, and by 2000, the manufacturer had 50 employees producing 3-4 watches per day. In 2001, Journe developed the Octa calibre, his first mechanical movement that was self-winding. He would also work on the Opus One collection for Harry Winston.
Journe's success continued, and in 2003, he opened his first boutique in the Omotesando district of Tokyo, a vibrant hub for culture and the arts. This was followed by a Hong Kong boutique in 2006 and the first European boutique in Geneva in 2007. Today, F.P. Journe has boutiques around the world, including in the United States, showcasing Journe's captivating timepieces.
In 2018, Chanel acquired a minority stake in F.P. Journe, further solidifying the brand's place in the luxury watch industry. Journe's legacy has also inspired other up-and-coming independent watchmakers, including Rexhep Rexhepi, who worked for F.P. Journe before founding his own independent brand, Akrivia.
As a watch expert, I am in awe of Journe's dedication and commitment to creating truly exceptional watches that stand the test of time. His innovative designs and impeccable craftsmanship make F.P. Journe a true icon in the world of luxury watches.
The world of horology has seen countless revolutions and transformations, with each brand bringing its unique spin to the craft. One such brand that has consistently left its mark is FP Journe. A significant hallmark of the brand has been its 38mm wristwatch case, which over the years became emblematic of its design philosophy.
Tracing back to 1991, FP Journe unveiled its pioneering watch at Baselworld. Although the brand had produced pocket watches before, this was their debut wristwatch - a distinctive Tourbillon with a Remontoire d’Egalité nestled within a 38mm platinum case. Given that wristwatches then usually ranged from 33mm to 36mm, FP Journe's watch was a standout. Its large size was necessitated by its complex movement, laying the foundation for the iconic 38mm case.
As time flowed, the brand's design language evolved, and by 2001, the 42mm Grande Sonnerie emerged, leading to a wider range of 42mm watches. However, 2013 marked another shift as the intricacies of the Chronomètre Optimum's movement demanded a minimum 40mm case. This shift was further echoed in the recent Octa Lune, setting a new standard for FP Journe's offerings.
Yet, instead of merely leaving the 38mm legacy behind, FP Journe decided to honor it in grand style. Paying homage to the rich history of the 38mm case, the brand introduced a special set of 5 watches, all in the revered 38mm size and crafted in stainless steel.
François-Paul Journe further heightened the allure of this collection by selecting a unique patinated bronze tone for the dials, hand-guilloched on solid gold. And, as a nod to nostalgia, four of the five watches are re-editions of models that had long been out of production, making this set an absolute treasure for collectors.
Inside the Special Edition Set:
Tourbillon Souverain: A recreation of the first Tourbillon with Remontoire d’Egalité produced between 1999 and 2003. This rendition surprises with a solid rose gold movement, a first of its kind.
Chronomètre à Résonance: A throwback to the original version made from 2000 to 2009, boasting symmetrical dials instead of the digital-analog combo seen in recent models.
Octa Automatique: A tribute to Journe's first-ever automatic watch that had a production run from 2002 to 2014. It returns with the iconic 38mm steel case.
Octa Calendrier Annuel: Once a best-seller, this annual calendar watch was produced from 2003 to 2014 and now makes a grand comeback.
Chronomètre Souverain: The linchpin of the brand, this model has been in production since 2005 and is now reimagined in steel with a captivating bronze dial.
Limited to just 38 pieces, this set is a heartening salute to FP Journe's storied past and its relentless pursuit of innovation. Through this collection, the brand reminds us that while evolution is inevitable, honoring one's roots is equally significant.
| Movement | Mechanical (18ct Gold) |
|---|---|
| Calibre |
F.P. Journe Caliber 1210
|
| Dial | Bronze |
| Case size | 38mm |
| Material | Steel |
| Bracelet | F.P. Journe leather strap |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Box & Papers | Complete, Full set, matching serial numbers |
169 East Flagler Street
1025
Miami FL 33131
United States
7867185608
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