Watch Enthusiast's Life JK: "FP Journe watches are so slim they fit easily under a shirt sleeve."

It was the beginning of 2017, and while he was out walking, something happened that would change the way he lived his life forever. This is no exaggeration. This dramatic event was his first encounter with a watch. It's fascinating how JK, who had lived a life unrelated to watches, suddenly discovered his passion for watches in his 40s. While he still only has a few, he has acquired some exquisite pieces, including FP Journe, and is enjoying the life of a watch enthusiast.

"I don't have any hobbies that draw me into collecting things, but I do like to be particular about what I wear."

　When I met JK somewhere in Tokyo, after greeting her, she asked with some hesitation, "Am I really allowed to appear in a feature like this?" She has only been a watch enthusiast for about three years. Until she was about 40, she had never been particularly interested in watches and never wore any. Furthermore, when she saw the watch enthusiasts featured in this feature, she was overwhelmed by their extraordinary passion for watches and their amazing collections, so it's not hard to understand why she felt that way.

　My first encounter with watches was three years ago, when I was walking around a quiet downtown area during the New Year holidays when something caught my eye.

"When I saw the watch, I thought it was simply beautiful. I've never been into collecting things, and I don't even own a car, but watches were different. I felt like I was hooked," he recalls.

　For the first time in his life, he felt the urge to buy a watch, but had no idea what kind of watch would be good. So he devoted himself to gathering information for months, reading magazines in detail and doing research. He avoided making impulse purchases and instead made sure to gather knowledge before making a purchase, which is perhaps similar to the investment business he works in.

　The first watch he acquired in the spring of 2017 was the Breguet Heritage Tourbillon. It's a masterpiece that combines an elegant tonneau-shaped case with an intricate guilloched dial. While it may be surprising that a beginner's entry-level watch would feature a high-end tourbillon, he was captivated by the classic design he's always loved and the beauty of the tourbillon's movement, which was what made him decide to buy it.

　The second watch he picked up was an interesting one to listen to. I thought it might be a classic type of watch, which he likes, but it turned out to be an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. He chose it for weekend wear and casual occasions, and it's a 15300ST with a 39mm case and Caliber 3120. It's a model that remains popular among Royal Oak enthusiasts, but it's been out of production for a long time. He happened to see it at a watch shop and liked it, so he bought the blue dial model, which is considered a classic among classics.

　A top-of-the-line classic tourbillon and a masterpiece of luxury sports watch, most people would be thrilled to have acquired these two watches, but for Mr. J, it was simply a sign that he had joined the ranks of enthusiasts.

　Next, I turned my attention to simple luxury watches that are easy to use for business.

"I also considered the Patek Philippe Calatrava, but then, perhaps it was a chance encounter, I happened to come across a limited edition tourbillon at the FP Journe Tokyo boutique, and I knew I wanted it."

　Perhaps because his first watch was a tourbillon, or perhaps because he knew of the connection between the historical genius watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet and the modern genius watchmaker François-Paul Journe, he was drawn to tourbillons above all else. Thus, the third watch to join J's collection became the "Tourbillon Souverain," a limited edition watch sold in only one of each of FP Journe's boutiques around the world. Although his original goal of acquiring a simple, practical watch for business use was put on hold, he later made sure to purchase the platinum model of the "Chronomètre Souverain."

"In business, I don't want my watch to stand out. That's why I don't like watches that are too obvious. In that respect, Journe watches are hard to notice. I've never had anyone say to me, 'That's a Journe, isn't it?' I wear a suit or jacket for business, but Journe watches are exquisitely thin, slipping easily into the sleeves of my shirt. And when I take them off, the luxurious rose gold movement visible through the case back is truly magnificent. I never get bored of looking at them."

　Mr. J, who became completely captivated by FP Journe, began wearing a rare watch made by one of the most talented watchmakers working today every day. It's only been about a year since he first encountered watches, and he's already gone from being a beginner to a connoisseur in one fell swoop.

　The third FP Journe watch is the Chronometer Resonance, a limited edition for 2019. What's more, it's a one-of-a-kind piece with a main dial made of black mother-of-pearl.

"When I met Mr. Journe himself, I requested a black mother-of-pearl dial for this watch, and a short time later, my custom order was realized. I never expected it to happen, but it was a surprise."

　Speaking of black mother-of-pearl dials, a small limited edition model was released for the early "Chronometer Resonance" a dozen years ago, but it is unusual for only one piece to be produced in response to an individual request, as in this case.

　Although J says he is not particularly materialistic, he is actually quite particular about his clothing and shoes, having them custom-made by artisans in Italy and Japan. Now that he has ordered a custom watch from FP Journe, what is his next dream?