F.P. Journe

asg
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Personally - a strange concern,

Brad - you bring up some excellent points!  Not to say that Mr. Journe isn't "valuable"  - here is my take:

1. Montres Journe=a brand not a man.  There is certinaly more than 1 watchmaker at the altier.  In fact, i'd go so far as to say there are at least 25 to 40.  There is an infrastructure from both a distribution, manufacturing and support standpoint.  This is not an operation like Jean Daniel Nicholas where the man, Daniel Roth is making and cutting his own gear teeth . 

2. Mr. Journe (and staff I'm sure) have designed the movements for servicability and longevity - therefore, as long as there is metal and a skilled watchmaker out there, the watches will be able to be worked on.

3. Mr. Journe uses CNC machines to make his parts - as long as the computer files are stored in a safe place, parts will be able to be made.

The points about Mr. Patek and Mr. Vacheron and Mr. Breguet are dead on (no pun intended).  Maybe AL Breguet is turning over in his grave, but that wasnt the question at hand.  Are the current watches produced by PP, AP, VC, Breguet etc the same as those made when they were in "control" of their company?  Did Henry Ford think that there would ever be a car with a standard option of a refrigerator in it?  ITs silly to think, with respect to watchmaking, that if the maker is gone, the brand will fail.

Look at Dubuis, Gerald Genta, Daniel Roth - These BRANDS still survive after their namesakes are bought out, ousted etc.  Journe's brand, as well, will survive and will thrive - I have personally met many of the key staff at Manufacture Journe and believe that there is talent there which will last through my lifetime....I'm sure that the craft of watchmaking will continue for years and years.  Prices might skyrocket for a good, quality watchmaker, but the trade will be around for eternity. 

There are private watchmakers across the globe who do nothing but repair and restoration work - the industrial revolution was an amazing timeperiod for the US, EU and other developed nations - interchangeable parts are a miracle. 

While I understand the merrit of the initial post - its still kinda silly - Oh my god - there was never a Mr. Panerai what will we do?  I can't believe Mr. Wisldorf is dead - that's why Rolex wont service their vintage watches .  I never could figure that out!!!!!!!!!

Lastly - I'm sure the investors in Montres Journe also have a "vested" interest in seeing this brand through and, if and when the time is right, the brand will be gobbled up by one of the giants.  Consolodation is invetiable.  Think Grubel-Forsey et al.

Who knows - dont believe all the marketing crap these watch brands spew at us.  One you fall into the trap, you are stuck. 

Also - for any of you out there that have not at least skimmed through Mr. George Daniel's book "Watchmaking" - buy a copy from amazon and keep it on your shelf.  I'm pretty sure you can repair anyhting using the book as a guide .

Bestr egards,

asg