I just Bleu myself... Incoming CB!

[tng11]

I love Arrested Development, hence this incoming thread is dedicated to them!

Let's begin with a short background. Very early in my watch collecting journey, I stumbled into the FP Journe boutique in Tokyo in 2008. I was treated like a king, and was amazed by the cool pieces I had a chance to look at, including the Tourbillon with Dead Seconds and the Resonance. Francois himself was also at the boutique and I had a chance to chat with him briefly. In him, I saw a man with a real passion for his craft, despite what some may say about his personality. I left telling myself I must have one of his pieces one day.

Early 2017, I started thinking about a Journe again. But a pure dress watch would not be the best fit for my active and casual lifestyle. And then the idea of a Chronometre Bleu came up. It was sharp, avant garde with the unmistakable Journe design signature without being too stuffy. I decided that I needed one.

And then began the phone calls all around the world. Told the waitlists were years long. Told that I needed to buy another Journe to get the CB. I was disappointed. That is, until another TRF member tipped me off to try the Geneva boutique, a stone I had left unturned in my search.

I called them, and they were striking in their courtesy and professionalism. I was told if I gave them a 30% deposit, it would be mine 3-4 months later. I took a few nights to think about it, and pulled the trigger.

4 months to the date I placed the deposit, I got the email telling me there was a CB waiting for me.

A few work related cancellations later, I set off for Geneva in mid-May with another fellow WIS.



The Journe boutique on Place Longmalle is currently under renovation, and is now located at the 6th floor of a department store:





I introduced myself, and the boutique staff lit up. They had been expecting me! But of course, Geneva hospitality meant they had to offer me espresso and water (which was very welcome after a 4am wake up call in London):



And here she is!







The boutique staff then suggested that I swap the strap for a short strap, which ended up being a better fit. I also inquired about getting an orange and grey strap. After a couple of phone calls, they arranged for them to be available at the factory tour later in the day.

I had them swap the strap for a brown one to match my shoes:



But of course, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see a few other Journes:









After about an hour of chatter and laughter, I was ready to move on for lunch before starting the factory tour later that afternoon.

I want to give a resounding two thumbs up to the FPJ Geneva boutique who were an absolute joy to deal with and a very memorable pickup indeed (they also threw in one of the straps free and gave me a loupe as well!)