F.P. Journe

Dear All,

 

May I ask a perhaps delicate question about the level of finishing of F.P.Journe watches?

 

I recall the first time (2005) I handled a Tourbillon and had time to go over it with a 10x loupe. I had been gazing at pictures posted on this site for some time and was absolutely smitten with FPJ’s design. I remember, however, being a little disappointed with the level of finishing on the watch. Specifically it was the anglage that did not seem to be as well executed as those from other manufactures at this level. The overall package was still superb and the Tourbillon remains on my hit/hot list of most desirable watches, but the niggle remained in my mind.

 

My question really is, as F.P.Journe has gone from strength to strength as a company, has the level of finishing evolved as well? Has the move to gold ebauches made any difference? Was there watch-to-watch variability that might explain my observations? What have your impressions been?

 

I look forward to your candid responses.

 

Kind regards as always

 

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

As a fan of FPJourne watches and also the master finish at Lange & Sohne, I've considered this issue before.

click here

Early FP Journe finishing was not as high standard compared to that of the design and function. They have improved a tad (even mentioned by Ph.Dufour) but still not in the top league..........

Look at the circumstances and resources. Even after the extension of the Geneva workshop in 2004 onwards, there are not enough equipment or workers to expect fine finishing. There are no "armies of finishers" like at Patek Philippe, Lange & Sohne and Glashuette Original.

In fact, there are not enough machines and workers to produce all the parts that are 'invented and made' into FP Journe watches.

Still...........they are NICE watches....... 

Regards,

MTF

This message has been edited by MTF on 2007-10-29 01:20:39

Dear Melvyn

 

Thanks for your comments. It’s reassuring to hear that the Manufacture has made progress in this area, and in the end it comes down to the overall package of design, emotion and innovation, which FPJ excel at.

 

I am still wondering what the consistency between watches is like. FPJ make the point that an individual watchmaker assembles your watch from start to finish, but I guess this is unlikely to include the finishing of parts as well?

 

Thanks again

 

Andrew

Andrew,

Do you really want to go there? 

I was not being "obtuse".....just diplomatic. But if you want to ask............

FP Journe now makes nice gold movement plates that people can focus their attention on - beautiful. The average owner does not need to see the gear train or other components. FP Journe watches are sold on the dial design, slim cases and some horological talking points e.g. remontoir, dual-balance wheels' coupling, dead-seconds.

Clients are not drawn to the source of the gear train or exact technical specifications of the keyless works.

The watchmaker assembliers in Geneva do NOT do the finishing polish on each watch they put together......

Regards,

MTF

This message has been edited by MTF on 2007-10-30 00:23:05

Dear Melvyn

 

I don’t mean to open any cans – just truly interested in FPJ watches and wanting to understand not only their strengths (that are apparent to all of us), but also their weaknesses. It’s a relatively young company that has come a long way and I want that progress to continue.

 

Thanks for your candid comments. It was the finishing of components and I guess the placing of the FPJ ‘house stamp’ on each watch that I was interested in, rather than the source of some of the components.

 

I hope my Purist colleagues don’t think that these are inappropriate issues to discuss, as I would be mortified if I was not asking appropriate questions. The Dead Second Tourbillon remains my ultimate dream watch. I came very close to purchasing a Calandrier last year, but decided to keep working towards the DS.

 

Any other comments from owners about the consistency of finish between watches in the FPJ range?

 

Kind regards

 

Andrew

MTF

Andrew,

IMHO, I don't think the topic is inappropriate. In fact, it is very appropriate. I actually had the same question as I am considering buying a FPJ watch.

Thanks Eryck,

 

Yes, I think these are important discussions to have. We all love FPJ as a brand, otherwise we wouldn’t be reading and posting here, but constructive criticism can lead to product improvements.

 

Hope your search for a Journe piece is an enjoyable journey.

 

Andrew

I have a Gray Dial Plat Dead Seconds and I think it is memerizing. I'm known by my closest piers as a quality freak. After meeting the man himself & seeing the true passion of a creator VS a CEO etc it becomes clear what you are buying.