[2021 Edition] Mechanical Watches "8 Recommended Models from FP Journe"

Well, in this column, I would like to take a look at FP Journe, which has been in the limelight in recent years, including at famous overseas auctions such as Phillips. As for the contents, I will select 8 models, including current models and models handled by our store.

What is FP Journe?

"FP Journe" is a brand founded in Switzerland in 1999 by François-Paul Journe (born in France in 1957), known as a genius watchmaker, and one of the leading independent watchmakers of our time. After dropping out of watchmaking school, he began repairing watches in 1977, and in 1982 produced his first pocket watch with a tourbillon. In 1989, he founded THA together with Vianney Halter (a French-born watchmaker who belongs to the Academy of Independent Watchmakers), and in 1996 he began developing original movements, and released his first collection in 1999.

Its design and unique movement have led to it being likened to the 21st century Breguet (said to have invented many of the mechanisms found in modern ultra-luxury watches, such as the tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and minute repeater). Although it produces only a small number of watches, about 900 per year, it is also a brand that manufactures its own cases and dials. The FP Journe Tokyo boutique in Omotesando is the first of its kind in the world, and was designed by Tadao Ando, ​​one of Japan's most famous architectural designers. Journe himself opened the boutique because he liked the location, and it is said to be his favorite boutique. Another thing that sets FP Journe apart from other watch brands is that it does not have a model number (reference). This may also be where the brand's philosophy lies.

Recent developments

Speaking of FP Journe , it is still fresh in our memory that at Phillips' 11th Geneva auction, the Chronomètre d'Esonance and Tourbillon Souverain, which were auctioned as unique pieces owned by Parisian jeweler Lorenz Baumer, were sold for far more than the estimated bid price.

Lot 49 of the Chronometer-Resonance : 1.04 million Swiss francs (approx. 118,000,000 yen)
Tourbillon Souverain lot 101 - CHF 1.4 million (approx. JPY 160,000,000)

The former, the Chronometer Resonance, had an estimated value of 80,000 to 160,000 Swiss francs (approx. 9,000,000 to 18,000,000 yen), and the latter, the Tourbillon Souverain, had an estimated value of 150,000 to 300,000 Swiss francs (approx. 17,000,000 to 34,000,000 yen), both of which far exceeded expectations. It seems that the recognition and popularity of FP Journe accelerated after this auction.

Now, let me introduce some of the popular and recommended models from FP Journe .

Recommended Model ① Elegant 48MM

The Elegant 48MM is a model that FP Journe has released for men by upsizing its first ladies' collection. It is equipped with the Cal.1210 movement , which FP Journe developed over eight years. This movement has a motion detector at 4:30 on the dial, and if it is taken off the wrist and left motionless, it will stop after about 30 minutes, enter standby mode to save battery, and stop the movement of the hands. When it is put back on the wrist, it will start moving again, and the hands will rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the shortest distance, automatically displaying the current time. By saving power in this way, it is possible to run the watch for 8 to 10 years in daily use and 18 years in sleep mode, which is an amazingly original idea.

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The Octa Lune is available in 40mm and 42mm cases, in platinum or 18K rose gold, with either rose gold or white gold dials, and on leather straps, platinum or rose gold bracelets.

summary

What did you think.

The unique design and mechanism give it a charm that is different from other brands.

Commit Ginza is also strengthening its FP Journe deposit sales, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Text By Yoichiro Yamashita

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