[Interview] FP Journe Founder François-Paul Journe

The watch boom has led to niche manufacturers also attracting attention. FP Journe is leading the way. I hear that most models have a waiting list of several years for delivery. I knew they were popular, but I didn't expect it to be this popular. I asked François-Paul Journe about his next steps.

Our watches aren't for everyone

François-Paul Journe
Born in France in 1957, Breguet is one of the most successful independent watchmakers of our time. After graduating from the School of Watchmaking in Paris, he began restoring watches in 77. In 82, he produced his first pocket watch with a tourbillon. In 89, he founded THA with Vianney Halter and others. In 96, he began developing original movements, and in 99, he released his first collection. His ingenious and brilliant watchmaking has led him to be often referred to as the "21st century Breguet."

"At the moment, we have no plans to increase production. Even if we were able to double production, unfortunately, I believe that for the time being, there will still be customers who are waiting a long time for delivery. To begin with, our watches are not watches that everyone will like or find appealing. Given that, if so many people choose FP Journe today, there must be a reason for it. It may be because there are many people around the world who see the potential and have high expectations for FP Journe watches in the future."

　FP Journe has consistently kept production numbers low, so it's unlikely they'll increase production numbers despite increased demand.

　By the way, what is the relationship with Chanel, which has invested in FP Journe?

"Chanel became a 20% shareholder of our company in 2018, but we are not collaborating. There have been no discussions from the beginning with the aim of collaborating, but I think we maintain a good relationship."

　I wanted to ask again about the availability of so-called pre-owned watches. FP Journe was the first to offer so-called certified pre-owned watches.

"Our Patrimore service helps new collectors to enjoy special limited edition models that are no longer available in our boutiques, or that are no longer in production. The Patrimore service does not simply offer pre-owned watches; it is limited to models that are not currently available new in our boutiques. We maintain these models in our workshop and offer them to our customers with a three-year warranty, just like if they were purchased new."

　FP Journe has left no stone unturned, and they have been one of the first to improve legibility. Large dials and displays are now one of the great features of FP Journe watches.

"Unfortunately, it's impossible to know what collectors will choose or like, because people's tastes are constantly changing. To begin with, it's extremely difficult to create a complicated watch that also prioritizes legibility. This requires a lot of time and effort. However, in the models I have released in the past, I have placed emphasis on both the mechanism and legibility, because the absolute requirement for a watch is that you can read the time."