Unique

I've always been captivated by A. Lange & Söhne. During my time in Melbourne, I noticed that many prominent collectors favored them, and I was always drawn to their design and exceptional finishing.

Interestingly, just as I was about to purchase a Lange, a dealer introduced me to F.P. Journe. This was around 2016 or 2017. While I had heard of the brand, I had never encountered one in person, especially not in Australia. Trusting the dealer's recommendation to seriously consider an FPJ, I did exactly that. I ended up buying a platinum Octa Reserve De Marche with a 40mm case, and I was immediately struck by its uniqueness compared to my previous watches. The design, movement, finishing, and price point were all a step above what I was accustomed to. It felt surreal to own something so remarkable and valuable, and from that moment, I was hooked on the brand.

Prior to this purchase, I had tried on a Byblos, which fascinated me, and I knew I eventually wanted to add one to my collection. Fortunately, that opportunity arose, and I acquired one from another collector. By this point, I was well and truly immersed in the world of F.P. Journe.

Moving forward to my life in Los Angeles, I recall being at the boutique, admiring the Holland & Holland model and expressing my regret at missing the chance to own one. To my surprise, I learned that one was available overseas, and it was mine if I wanted it! I was ecstatic. For those unfamiliar with this model, I highly recommend looking it up – it's truly extraordinary. My passion for FPJ had reached a new level, even though the brand was still relatively niche.

During a conversation with a fellow FPJ collector, he mentioned his aspiration to acquire a Chronometre Optimum, a model that hadn't previously caught my attention. I then embarked on a deep dive into its history and its significance to François-Paul Journe himself. It dawned on me that if I could only own one FPJ, the Chronometre Optimum was the one to have. However, this realization meant parting with my other FPJ watches, a difficult but logical decision. I eventually acquired a Chronometre Optimum with a unique white mother-of-pearl dial. At the time, only black mother-of-pearl dials had been produced, making mine a one-of-a-kind piece! The thought was incredible. This watch became the most cherished and valuable item I had ever owned. While theft is a concern in Los Angeles, FPJ's relative obscurity allowed me to wear it frequently without worry.

Ultimately, a very challenging time came when I had to sell this incredibly special Chronometre Optimum to contribute to the visa I needed to live in the US. It was unbelievable to see all my F.P. Journe watches gone so suddenly.

Now, the brand has gained considerable popularity, and while I still admire F.P. Journe and hope to own another someday, its increased mainstream appeal has dampened my enthusiasm somewhat. It seems many 'collectors' are now buying these watches primarily to resell them for a profit.