FPJ: was it crazy cheap back then, or crazy is it crazy expensive now?

[cbalster]

I recall considering some pre owned FPJ years ago and had a look at Tourneau of all places. I guess I was wrong not to move forward!

Then & Now
$24k
https://www.tourneau.com/watches/pre...-VMM04814.html

$269k
https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch/...lat-39977.html

Oops.

[enjoythemusic]

Cheap then.

[WatchEater666]

Undervalued then and overpriced now. The level of finishing and things like stamped guilloche do not justify pricing. You can get something like a Gauthier Logical 1 for less which is an objectively better made watch.

[037]

The first one you linked is rose gold, second one platinum. You're still looking at around $180k at today's prices for the RG flavor.

At retail they're completely worth their asking price. At market there are (arguably) better options for the money.

[cbalster]

Originally Posted by 037

The first one you linked is rose gold, second one platinum. You're still looking at around $180k at today's prices for the RG flavor.

At retail they're completely worth their asking price. At market there are (arguably) better options for the money.

you are right sorry I was honed in on the 38mm/brass movement.

I remember looking at a black label for $35k a few years ago. I contacted an AD and was told they stopped carrying FPJ due to quality control issues and lacking customer service. This was 2019. I wish I had not listened.

I do imagine the workshop at FPJ is completely overwhelmed and I have heard anecdotally that 50% of the ownership experience of FPJ is awaiting its return from service, haha.

[GB-man]

Both.

It’s not only FP that’s gone mad people just focus on them because it happened most recently.

I’ve seen 5726 and 5164 in the case at Tiffany NYC and today those will run you similar money. Tried on the 15305ST at AP Miami and loved everything but the 30k + price tag. Or there’s the 35-01 I had pulled from the window at Cellini on Madison. Etc etc

[DVR]

If I may:

I had a 'collector' friend who wouldn't touch an FPJ with a ten foot pole back then. He loved the design and everything else. But he couldn't bring himself to buy one because of the monetary loss.
He bought two some time ago because of his connections (Instagram and posing as a true watch enthusiast) and is very happy now. 'Collectors' are not enthusiasts. Never ever confuse the two. One loves watches, the other loves money more.

[Slider817]

I remember a few years everyone complaining about resale value and how they just rank and how the brand will likely go out of business. I bought a few when they were cheap, great watches for the money. Sold them recently, just couldn’t bear to wear such an expensive watch, helped me pay for a summer home for my family.

I think they are currently overpriced in comparison to what you can get for similar money, but you can say that for loads of brands.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by DVR

If I may:

I had a 'collector' friend who wouldn't touch an FPJ with a ten foot pole back then. He loved the design and everything else. But he couldn't bring himself to buy one because of the monetary loss.
He bought two some time ago because of his connections (Instagram and posing as a true watch enthusiast) and is very happy now. 'Collectors' are not enthusiasts. Never ever confuse the two. One loves watches, the other loves money more.

I'm a collector and an enthusiast.

I don't like losing a ton of money on a purchase. But, there's a fine line (well, it's not as fine anymore these days) between maintaining some semblance of value, and trading at 10x multiples.

This isn't crypto.

[Neom]

To me (and to Journe himself since he said it), his watches were already overpriced back then (since they were making a profit on them and were selling at discounts), and of course now they are way overpriced.