F.P. Journe

I sold my “last Journe” in the dark winter of 2007.  It was a yellow gold dial, pre dead second tourbillon.  At the time, I was on a binge, collecting several unusual RM pieces resulting in budgetary considerations.   Hanging up the phone, after closing on the sale of the tourb left me with a sinking feeling.  The original style remontoir was my favorite piece; a watch only FP himself could have designed.  I just knew that it would be nearly impossible to find another mint version at a reasonable price.

 

I sensed that I had sold my soul, chasing an emotional lust for a rare new item, instead of being true to my own heart.  Punishment was nothing less than watch purgatory as I observed a select few random pieces selling for top dollar.  At one point, I caved, seeing a yg dial pre dead seconds for sale on a website.  And then, when I inquired about the watch (ready to spend far more then I should for another yg dialed Journe) my ears heard the sirens’ song; it had been sold on the previous day.

 

The ugly, sinking feeling of lost love had truly taken hold.

 

I began lurking on other forums.  PP, JLC, the Independent; just to name a few.  Purchased three Pateks; sold all three in a few days.  I deeply admire the brand.  But looking at the multiple pusher points required for changing the functions on the PP annual calendar reminded me how advanced, refined and stunning FP’s Calendrier is.

 

Still lost, I considered changing travel plans for an upcoming trip to Europe to meet a brilliant watchmaker.  Perhaps his wares could fill the Journe – sized hole in my heart… But none of this made sense.  It was like going to single clubs to meet women while still hungering for an old love.   

 

I knew there was only one way to escape, one possible long-shot at redemption.  I sold most my watches… and waited.  Waited for serendipity. For forgiveness.  For a return of grace from the Great WIS in the Sky.

 

And as I maintained my patience, in the darkest hours, I received an email.  It seamed that a mint Champaign dialed pre dead second with a rich silver sub dial might be available.  A question was asked; “Did I want it”?

 

All smiles my dear WIS friends, all smiles J

 

And then, within 24 hours another trade took place (that was months in the making) freeing up a Ruthenium-dialed Calendrier.  The watch’s condition you might ask…  as new J.

 

It was if the spirits of the passionate-collectors-of-old were testing me.  Choose, they demanded, choose between a pristine pre dead second tourb or, the ultimate daily wear automatic Ruthenium Calendrier.  Sensing the presence of my forefathers, knowing it was my singular duty to chart a course and then set sail, I smiled, cast my eyes skyward, and answered their call of duty.  The resulting pictures give testimony to my story.

 

BB

 

The Goal is Soul 

This message has been edited by The Goal is Soul on 2008-06-22 18:41:28 This message has been edited by The Goal is Soul on 2008-06-22 18:43:19 This message has been edited by The Goal is Soul on 2008-06-22 18:47:31

it really shows your love for Journe. As your handle VERY appropriately spells out, saying The Goal is Soul, I believe you have found your soul again with this journey. Congrats!!!

 of the intelectual and time consuming effort in the creation of these stunning time pieces.  It all ties back to a love and respect for fine time pieces taught to me by my grandfather Milton.  Perhaps it's a way of reaching back to my youth and reliving that wonderful time and relationship.

 

 

for sharing your thoughts. Always look forward to your posts...

Fantastic story!

As always, I had a lot of pleasure to read you!

Best.

Nicolas

never fail to warm all of us who read your posts.  The contributers of Purists, and Brad S as moderator of this very active and vibrant forum, help make this a wonderful past time

And the tale of a journey.  Enjoy both for a very long time.

Douglas

should I say beginning of a beautiful journey! Enjoy them in the best of health.

Cheers

Fernando

it is so important to relish these blessings.  Life is short for many and hard for most.  I appreciate your kind words

 

to let love give what it gives

Thanks Douglas!

e

No message body

is in the collective pursuit of our individual journeys.  I appreciate everyone's warm-hearted remarks.

BB

The Goal is Soul

Rarely do we get to read such heartfelt words on these forums and I'm planning on saving yours to show so many who feel the chase is the ultimate high.

Thanks,
Larry

I think sellers remorse can be even worse then buyers remorse particularly in your case when the gem was the original yg dial remontoir. I'm so pleased to hear how this story ended. It's amazing the connection we have to these small mechanical timekeepers. Adding the the calendrier was just a blessing in disguise and the reward for patience in completing that void. Thanks for sharing and congratulations.

I can only imagine the satisfaction of seeing a YG dial Journe  return to the fold. I could never release mine.  I only wish I had more of them then I do. Faithfully yours,

Marcel

I nearly had given up hope.  Actually, the truth is that I bugged my WIS trading friend nearly every day for two months and he graciously tollerated my own selfish intolerance until finding these pieces...

And the kicker is that the Calendrier is the first Ruthenium piece I have seen.  WOW!  I can't take it off

BB

The Goal is Soul

The yg tourb is such an unusual piece; but then again FP really has given us an entire collection of unique pieces.  From the complex and beautifully ballanced Resonance (how better to say two hearts beat as one, no?!), to the lovely full dialed CS; each piece is UNIQUE.

Which is why, I think, I continue to really enjoy the brand as much as I do. 

My reconnection with Journe occured when I visited a Journe AD in NY.  I was there on another mission, but after looking at all the other brands I peered into the Journe showcase and was once again smitten by the dramatic and richly textured character of the brand.  I immediately knew then that I had get back into the FPJ fold.  The pieces are simply fabulous, roof top to the basement. 

BB

The Goal is Soul 

As time passes I have noticed changes in my interest between one FPJ model to another but overall whole my connection with Journe pieces has increased. No brand is as complete from innovation, execution, creativity, uniqueness, style and attention to pure time precision as Journe is. Glad to know you have re-established the connection and hope now it will be stronger then ever. A break is sometimes good as it makes you appreciate it even more.

By the way... perfect quote for the Resonance. So true!

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This message was created while wearing a Black Label CS

thanks for sharing it, GIS. So true how sometimes the things most valuable to us are already with us.

of the displays, and that "hole" with the rotor clicking irregularly is such a contradiction to the precise nature of watchmaking...yes..soul!!!