A night with F.P. Journe

[thomaspp]

Had a hard time getting up for work today thanks to the below. Keeping my promise to Paul (texex91) and reporting back on a great evening of drinks, dinner, fine watches and Mr. Journe.

12 of us were invited to a private event and meal last night at the FP Journe boutique and dinner with Mr. Journe. Here is a little report and recap form last night. Have a good day.



The boutique and staff are top notch as expected. Met some fun folks; I find that this brand tends to attract an interesting crowd.



The new 42 mm case is a bit big IMHO for this type of watch, but still gorgeous.





I am in love with the centigraphe. I tried on a Centigraphe Souverain in rose gold that I loved, but I think the platinum case and grey dial is the way to go.

The discontinued aluminum case is incredibly light. Watching this thing run is mesmerizing.



My favorite of the night (but not necessarily the one I would buy - heart remains with the centigraphe)!

Optimum!







Had the opportunity to handle various other watches, including a limited edition tourbillon; no pictures unfortunately.

Mr. Journe was very pleasant and humble, but his English was not good .... but who the hell cares and good thing I could say a few words in French!

He signed my book! All I need now is a Centigraphe. FP Journe is certainly on the rise and for good reason. Incredible and creative design (in an industry where creativity is many times shunned), coupled with friendly and knowledgeable staff!



All in all a great evening. Be well folks.

[GB-man]

Sounds like a great time thomas. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I too found the optimum to be breathtaking when I viewed it at the NY boutique. I must have spent 5 minutes looking at the movement through the loupe

[yjfang]

Excellent!

[texex91]

Fantastic pics! Funny you find them too big and I find them too small

[hrm]

Lucky. The more I see Journe's the more I want one. Looks like I'll have to stop by the closest boutique very soon.

[HL65]

THanks for sharing Thomas and I am guessing you ran into my good friend Eli again. As for the Optimum I love the watch - especially in 40mm RG grey combo or Plat RG dial combo. Cheers,

[nick c]

Nice watches thanks for sharing

[jjnd08]

Great write up and pics, Thomas!

Did you get any video of the movements?

[topcat30093]

Thank you taking the time to write about your evening.

I hugely respect and admire Mr Journe's work.

The craftsmanship on his creations is stunning.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Sounds like a great time thomas. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I too found the optimum to be breathtaking when I viewed it at the NY boutique. I must have spent 5 minutes looking at the movement through the loupe

It really is!

Originally Posted by yjfang

Excellent!

Originally Posted by texex91

Fantastic pics! Funny you find them too big and I find them too small

Cheers buddy.

Originally Posted by hrm

Lucky. The more I see Journe's the more I want one. Looks like I'll have to stop by the closest boutique very soon.

For sure! There is something about them.... very appealing.

Originally Posted by HL65

THanks for sharing Thomas and I am guessing you ran into my good friend Eli again. As for the Optimum I love the watch - especially in 40mm RG grey combo or Plat RG dial combo. Cheers,

Certainly Ken! Funny and yes, Eli was there again (with his 5131G!). Hope to see you at one of these soon my friend. Best.

Originally Posted by nick c

Nice watches thanks for sharing

Thanks Nick!

Originally Posted by jjnd08

Great write up and pics, Thomas!



Did you get any video of the movements?

Thanks. Nah... couldn't film a video and hold champagne glass at the same time

Originally Posted by topcat30093

Thank you taking the time to write about your evening.

I hugely respect and admire Mr Journe's work.

The craftsmanship on his creations is stunning.

For sure! Thanks and best.

[goog53]

Thanks for sharing Thomas. What size is your wrist? I am surprised the 42mm case wore so big

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Looks like a wonderful night. I am glad you can share it with us.
I always wonder what will be the future of this brand.
30 years from now how much market share will it take from the other haute brands?

[incontrol]

Thanks for sharing your awesome night with us. FPJ is certainly shah at its finest. I am looking forward to adding one to my collection.

[mps354]

Great write up, thanks for sharing! Would love to go to one of those someday

[conkers]

Looks like fun!

[lapince]

Awesome Thomas, thanks for sharing.

FPJ is definitely an amazing brand, their dials are very original and their movements are just stunning.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by ELITEVIDEOGAMES

Looks like a wonderful night. I am glad you can share it with us.
I always wonder what will be the future of this brand.
30 years from now how much market share will it take from the other haute brands?

It will be fun to watch. I know they are committed to under 1000 pieces per year etc but they show a pattern of setting up for growth in my opinion. The brand is as strong as any among those who know watches, the poseurs will surely want in on the action once they realize how respected the brand is no?

Can't wait to get my first journe! Always something to look forward to in this hobby

[paverman]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Thomas, it must have been a great evening. I truly love these small intimate gatherings .

[Racerdj]

Sounds like it was a great time!