Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Spotlight: FP Journe

Since it's the last day of our Highly Collectible Watch Event, I thought I'd spend this time profiling the most little-known brands (to the general public) represented. FP Journe is François-Paul Journe, a designer born into a watchmaking family. Before creating his own eponymous brand, Journe worked as an apprentice for nearly two decades, in which time he restored historical pieces as well as created works on commission. 

His watches are meticulously hand-crafted, and are made in batches of usually less than 1,000 per year. The most important aspect of the company is found in the Latin words written under his name on the face: Invenit et Fecit, which means Invented and Made. Owning a FP Journe means supporting watchmakers that break from the traditional mold and create unique timepieces heralded for love, not money.

If you'd like to read a great interview with the watchmaker himself, click right here to hear a breakdown of Journe's career and interests. You can also check out some of the gorgeous pocket watches and clocks that made up Journe's early career. 

The watch up for auction on Portero (above) is Journee's Octa in rose gold--one of the most highly sought after models. In fact, you can click right here to read a very thorough review of the timepiece by a wearer (scroll down a bit until you see an image of the Octa). 

Portrait via thepurists.com