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Jay (Eire) offers a first-hand account of the F.P. Journe London Boutique, providing valuable insights into its location, leadership, and the welcoming atmosphere experienced by visitors. His observations shed light on the brand's direct-to-collector approach and the caliber of individuals representing F.P. Journe in a key global market. This report is particularly relevant for collectors considering a visit or seeking to understand the brand's retail strategy.
Took a swing by the new London Boutique a couple of times this last week. The Boutique opened earlier this year and is situated in Mayfair a couple of doors down from Asprey and a short walk from New Bond Street.
The Boutique is headed up by Shawn Mehta a passionate (and established) Journe collector himself, and as some of you will know someone with very strong links to Journe and to F.P.Journe himself.
I met with both Shawn and Edward whom as you’d expect if you’ve ever stepped into a Journe Boutique are both very well dressed gentlemen. They were also extremely gracious with their time, welcoming and candid in conversation.
I asked them how the first months have been and as you’d expect of course it has been busy. They shared that the Elegante remains extremely popular but also that for mechanical watches demand (or wish lists) are well distributed across the entire collection and not just focused on single references. I think people have stopped asking for the CB at this point LOL !
Some pictures are below. Compared to the new NYC Boutique the London space is on the smaller size.
The F.P. Journe Élégante represents the brand's entry into electro-mechanical timekeeping, distinguished by its hybrid movement technology within the Élégante series. This reference marks a departure from traditional mechanical movements in the F.P. Journe collection.
The 40mm titanium case houses the caliber 1210 electro-mechanical movement, paired with a silver dial and fixed bezel. Construction features include sapphire crystal and a rubber strap, with water resistance rated to 30 meters. The titanium case material provides a lightweight alternative to traditional precious metal constructions.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in F.P. Journe's exploration of alternative movement technologies beyond purely mechanical calibers. The electro-mechanical movement and titanium construction position this piece as a distinct offering within the brand's portfolio, catering to those seeking contemporary technical approaches in independent watchmaking. Production commenced in 2014.
Do you think more than normal? I see ~250 mechanical watches on the most popular site. With the enormous speculation in Journe, and in other watches in recent years, I suspect that many newer buyers bought on the confidence of rising demand and may have extended themselves. Same for dealers. I’m sure we see listings of those now fearing that “bet” will sour. Pre COVID, and excluding the largest secondary market dealer’s inventory as they did not usually list on the most common resale platform, I
Another interesting thing, FPJ is said to make 900 pieces a year, H. Moser makes 2000/yr. More FPJ for sale than H. Moser.
Whether that’s good or bad or if it indicates anything is another conversation.
Ya know, it is like 'exotic' car owners. H Moser and MB&F folks... These are people like me who track our exotic car(s) very often to find the maximum limit of performance. We ACTIVELY enjoy these incredible creations of speed and performance as was intended, for we all can agree Enzo was not one to see his creations languish within a museum. These horses were meant to prance on the race track And then there are those who get exotic cars, NEVER driving them in the rain or snow, and they trea
As I’ve been back and forth on a specific car for a while now as the dilemma is between older and modern. But the older options would be those with moderate mileage and my conclusion (after lots of time and thought) is buying such an example would mean I would baby it, drive it sparingly and therefore not really get the enjoyment I’m seeking (i.e. the fun of driving a specific car regularly and a little cliche but making memories with it). So your point is definitely not lost on me.
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