F.P. Journe

I don’t check too many prices since I’m a recovering watch addict 😏

But I was looking at FPJ prices and it’s out of this world for a simple watch in the 2nd market. Anyone can tell me why ?

Really supply and demand. Journe got hyped up. Then Private Equity, Silicon Valley and Wall street guys decided that the Royal Oak offshores they had were no longer expensive enough and away we go. Add to this that Klymer and others decided to hype independents. Reminds me of the modern art market. Similar dynamics. Too much money in the system.

Independents are now essentially what stainless steel sports watches were in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

For the most part this is NOT a criticism of watchmakers. They are not driving pricing. It’s the demand side. If the maker sold it for 15k with a 5 yr wait list and 150k in the grey market, you are rewarding the first guy in line who flips and not the maker. So I’m glad the makers are getting the benefit (for the most part).

I meant that the social media hype machine has now shifted to independent watchmakers ever since the people you have mentioned started to get bored of AP and Rolex. However, we have to acknowledge that quite a few watchmakers have significantly increased their prices in the last few years to try and capitalize on that hype. While I don't blame them, it's always nice to see others not following suit.

Some prices are going wild. Looking at you ALS, retail prices are pretty crazy while used market usually is down

I remember when I got my CB. I just strolled in and it was available. Good times

Perhaps Zuckerberg’s new watch obsession isn’t helping. Now all tech brow are getting into watches. But in reality the rarity and genius of Journe is catching up. IMHO of course.

But started before him. I think it got really bad during the hype of two companies that I don’t want to name 😆

But supply and demand will do what they do

But I see your point. I think the prices reflect the hard availability

If one didn’t like it when it was $40K, what make one like it at $200K???

Limit production and distribution, raise prices and they will come...🙄

....we got what we wished for.

I've been in this game for almost 30 years and I can definitely see a huge uptick in interest in fine watches and horology in the last six to eight years....yes....even before Covid.

Yes, the ultra-high end is showcasing that extreme, with years and years of waiting lists.......... tho look at the massive growth of small / niche brands: British, Asian, Japanese, Singapore.... we got what we wished for. Frankly, it's far better today than 1995, or 2005, and 2015. Like you said-ish, after ~2017 the fierce demand started.

I'm currently in the year 3 of waiting and there is nothing coming from FPJ this year. Fingers crossed🤞that I will get my first allocation next year....i.e - 3+ years.

Born too late