The watchmaking world is one that is frequently dominated by some of the oldest brands in history. This is not surprising, as tradition and history continue to be some of horology’s most important pillars today. However, this does not mean that only long-running names in the industry are capable of creating classic masterpieces. In fact, the star of this article today is a relatively young manufacturer that has managed to make quite an impact on the horology market. So, without further ado, let us find out more about F.P. Journe and what they have to offer.
Brief Overview of F.P. Journe
F.P. Journe is an independent watch company that was founded back in 1999. The man behind it all is François-Paul Journe, best known for his excellent craftsmanship in watchmaking. Despite being a new name in a well-established industry, this Swiss company was able to overcome the challenges by consistently making innovative, creative, and upscale timepieces that were considered more accessible than those from luxury watch brands.
Today, F.P. Journe offers perfectly balanced watches that reflect traditional horological engineering and modern craftsmanship.
F.P. Journe Collections
At present, there are a total of five different collections in F.P. Journe’s catalogue, namely: Classique, Linesport, Élégante, Boutique, and Black Label.
Classique
Firstly, we have the F.P. Journe Classique collection, which consists of some of the finest timepieces one could get. This particular line offers watches that boast quintessential designs and impressive complications.
F.P. Journe Classique Chronomètre Bleu
The F.P. Journe Classique Chronomètre Bleu is arguably one of the most popular pieces from this brand. It is a beautiful dress watch that is made of high-quality, durable materials, making it a genuine all-rounder. Indeed, everything about this watch screams classic and sophisticated, which is why it makes for a stunning companion to any formal events.
This F.P. Journe watch comes in a lustrous 39mm blue-tone tantalum case along with an alligator leather strap in blue. This all-blue exterior blends incredibly well with the watch’s dial, which comes in the same midnight blue hue. This dial is also adorned with Arabic numerals in a stylised typeface, ivory-colored steel hands, and a small seconds sub-dial with a sunray finish between the 7 and 8 o’clock markers. Indeed, this watch face is gorgeous in its straightforward simplicity.
In addition, if you flip the watch around, you can find a transparent case back that allows for a full view of the impressive mechanism that runs inside. In fact, this watch is equipped with a Calibre 1304. This is a luxurious, top-notch movement that is made of 18K rose gold and boasts a substantial power reserve of around 56 hours.
Lastly, this exquisite masterpiece sells at approximately $60,500 USD.
F.P. Journe Classique Automatique
The F.P. Journe Classique Automatique offers a slightly different vibe compared to the iconic Chronomètre Bleu. This model is a paradox in itself, given that it manages to be both simple and complex at the same time. That said, it still showcases a traditional, quintessential look, which is a standard characteristic for any model in the Classique collection.
This F.P. Journe watch is offered in either a 40mm or 42mm platinum case, paired with an alligator leather strap in black. The watch face follows an incredibly unique layout. It comprises an off-center main dial, made of white gold and guilloché silver, for the minutes and seconds, along with blued steel hands, a sub-dial for the small seconds, an enlarged date window, and a large power reserve display on the left. Even though it comes with a litany of watch complications, the elements on this dial are well spread out, so it does not look too cluttered or intimidating.
Moving on, this timepiece is driven by an automatic Calibre 1300.3. Also made of lavish 18K gold, this impressive movement has a power reserve of around 160 hours.
If you are interested in this model, you can get it for around $38,000 USD.
Boutique
The Boutique collection does not really have a specific style or theme that is distinct to its watches. Instead, the categorization of models in this range is dependent on whether they can be purchased exclusively at the brand’s physical boutiques.
F.P. Journe Boutique Automatique Lune Nacre
The F.P. Journe Boutique Automatique Lune Nacre is an instant stunner, with its perfectly laid-out watch complications and stylish modern design.
This watch is presented in either a 40mm or 42mm platinum case paired with an alligator leather strap in blue. The sector dial is split into two sections, with a sky-blue outer ring and an inner section with a sophisticated guilloché silver finish. This dial is also adorned with blued steel hands, Arabic numeral markers in a dark blue tone, a big date complication, a power reserve indicator, a small seconds sub-dial, and a delicate moon phase display that shows an image of the alluring, starry night sky. Meanwhile, underneath this exquisite watch face is an automatic Calibre 1300.3, which has a power reserve of around 160 hours.
Retailing at around $65,500 USD, this is one of the most beautiful watches you can ever get.
Linesport
The Linesport collection, on the other hand, primarily consists of well-crafted, sporty-looking timepieces that boast handsome, versatile aesthetics. This series has the best F.P. Journe watches for those who want accessories that fall between casual and formal.
F.P. Journe Linesport Automatique Réserve
The F.P. Journe Linesport Automatique Réserve manages to be both refined and slightly rugged at the same time. Compared to the Classique models, it is definitely more versatile, in such a way that you can pair it with various different styles, rather than just formalwear. On top of that, this particular model is also more vibrant, making it a rather lively and eccentric timekeeper.
This F.P. Journe watch is housed in a robust 44mm titanium case and bracelet, both of which come in dark gray hues. Meanwhile, its vivid yellow dial is made of scratch-resistant aluminum alloy and contains luminous Arabic numeral markers and silver hands, a large date window, a small seconds counter, a power reserve indicator, and a day-night display. Bright red accents are speckled across the entire dial, adding a hint of an edge to this playful yellow watch face. Finally, an automatic Calibre 1300.3 runs all of this watch’s functions. Held together by 37 jewels, this movement possesses a whopping 160-hour power reserve.
If you are on the hunt for an eye-catching luxury timepiece, you should definitely consider this $42,000 USD watch.
F.P. Journe Linesport Centigraphe
Compared to the other models mentioned in this article, the F.P. Journe Linesport Centigraphe is a lot more sporty-looking. It also has a rather crowded watch face, which can make it look a bit intimidating to use. However, worry not, because we are going to break this watch down for you right now.
First, this F.P. Journe watch utilizes a 44mm rose gold case and matching three-link bracelet, both of which showcase a matte hammered finish. Moreover, this rose gold exterior delightfully contrasts against the dark silver dial, which is furnished with applique hands and Arabic numeral markers made of rose gold, along with a chronograph display consisting of three sub-counters. Lastly, everything is driven by a manual-winding Calibre 1506, with a solid 100-hour power reserve.
If this suave rose gold timepiece is right up your alley, be prepared to shell out around $55,000 USD to get one.
Élégante
Next up, we have the F.P. Journe Élégante collection, which is all about bringing out one’s femininity by using simple yet sophisticated elements. In addition, each piece in this line is elegant and refined in the most subtle way possible, which is what makes it especially appealing to all the ladies out there.
F.P. Journe Élégante 40mm Titanium
The F.P. Journe Élégante 40mm Titanium is a classic watch with a beautiful, all-white build. It boasts a simple and straightforward design that is not overly feminine, making it a quintessential accessory that can cater to both the men and the ladies out there.
This F.P. Journe watch uses a 40x35mm tonneau-shaped case made of titanium, along with a white rubber strap and sharp lugs that give this timepiece a more angular, refined look. In addition, its snow-white dial showcases an uncomplicated layout with just black Arabic numeral markers, blued steel hands, a small seconds counter, and a complex open-heart display at 4 o’clock. Furthermore, this watch is powered by a Calibre 1210, which is a unique electromechanical movement.
Priced at around $63,400 USD, this is truly a simple yet powerful accessory for the ladies.
F.P. Journe Élégante 48mm Titalyt Set With Diamonds
Next, we have the F.P. Journe Élégante 48mm Titalyt Set With Diamonds which manages to be both simple and luxurious at the same time.
This watch comes in a 48x40mm tonneau-shaped case made of dark gray-toned titanium, paired with a black rubber strap. This darker exterior contrasts strongly against the soft white dial, which is decorated with Arabic numeral markers, blued steel hands, a small seconds counter, and a sophisticated open-heart display at 4 o’clock. One truly exquisite thing about this watch is that it features a lavish jewel-set bezel that is encrusted with an incredible total of 418 diamonds. In addition, this watch runs on a Calibre 1210, which is an innovative electromechanical movement.
Given the sheer luxury that comes with this model, its $90,000 USD price tag is no surprise.
Black Label
Last but certainly not least, we have the F.P Journe Black Label collection. This series was actually created specifically for those who already own other F.P. Journe watches. This means that it is only available to previous patrons of the brand. It also has a very limited yearly production, set at around 900 units a year. Ultimately, the most unique thing about the Black Label line is that each model boasts a beautiful black dial that is made entirely out of precious metals.
F.P. Journe Black Label Chronomètre À Résonance
The F.P. Journe Black Label Chronomètre À Résonance is one of the most exclusive models offered by the brand. It has a cool and complex aesthetic, making this perfect for those who enjoy modern timepieces.
This watch utilizes either a 40mm or 42mm platinum case, paired with an alligator leather strap in black and polished, curved lugs. The luxurious black gold dial shows off a very unique layout that includes blued steel hands, 2 small seconds counters, a 24-hour display, and a 12-hour display. With this sophisticated watch, wearers are easily able to keep track of two different timezones simultaneously. Lastly, this F.P. Journe watch runs on the Calibre 1520, which can last for up to 30 hours when fully wound.
The F.P. Journe Black Label Chronomètre À Résonance retails at around $110,000 USD.
Final Thoughts
Despite being a relatively young player in the watchmaking game, F.P. Journe has become of the most luxurious and exclusive brands in horology. It offers nothing but the best timepieces it could ever make, which is what has put it on par with older, more reputable watchmakers. In less than three decades, F.P Journe has been able to prove its expertise in the horological craft and it will surely continue to exceed our expectations in the years to come.
Photo Credits: F.P. Journe Official Site
Want to take a closer look at more brands? Check out our piece on the Orient Star!
