F.P. Journe Automatique Reserve: The Collector's Dilemma of Letting Go

WatchFan1 · 2025-01-17T04:20:59Z

WatchFan1 debates selling his F.P. Journe Automatique Reserve. Explore collector insights on sentimental value vs. collection optimization.

WatchFan1

WPS member · F.P. Journe forum

22 replies6477 views4 photos

WatchFan1, a seasoned collector, shares a personal dilemma that resonates with many in the luxury watch community: the emotional challenge of parting with a foundational piece to optimize a collection. His post, featuring his F.P. Journe Automatique Reserve, invites reflection on the balance between sentimental value and pragmatic collection management, especially when resources are finite. This discussion explores the nuanced considerations collectors face when curating their horological journey.

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I'm at some crossroads. The Automatique Reserve was *my first one*. However, after really falling for the brand, it was followed by RDM, CB, UTC and finally the Resonance. The resources are not unlimeted, of course, and because of those later purchase, I'm thinking it would be just prudent to let go of the AR. .....at the same time, I have a hard time to let go of the one that started it all. If I keep it, some other dear watches of other brands will have to go. I've been collecting now for almost 3 decades and my head is normally pretty clear and I know what I want and what I do not want and what to do next...but honestly in this particular case I'm going back and forth for whatever reason.

About the F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Ref. resonance

The Chronomètre à Résonance represents F.P. Journe's entry in the Souveraine collection, distinguished by its resonance complication. This reference utilizes the principle of resonance between two independent escapements to enhance chronometric precision.

The 40mm case is crafted in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The silver dial houses the manual-winding caliber 1499 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on haute horlogerie complications and independent watchmaking. The resonance mechanism positions this piece as a technical showcase within F.P. Journe's manual-winding offerings. Production began in 2000, establishing this as part of the brand's contemporary catalog for collectors seeking advanced chronometric functions.

Specifications

Caliber: 1499

Case: 18k Rose Gold

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Establish clear collecting guidelines and sleep on significant decisions to avoid regret, as spontaneous purchases or sales often lead to dissatisfaction.
If a watch is not worn because its financial value overshadows its joy, or if personal tastes have evolved, it may be time to sell and replace it with a piece that brings more enjoyment.
Consider letting go of a watch if resources are limited, especially if it can be reacquired later should tastes change. Sentimental attachment alone might not justify keeping a high-value piece that sees little wrist time.
Unless financial necessity dictates, keeping a watch like the Automatique Reserve is advisable due to its potential for future wrist time, stable value, and its unique understated aesthetic within a collection of more prominent F.P. Journe pieces.
The Automatique Reserve holds significant value as the starting point of a collector's F.P. Journe journey, contributes to the overall aesthetic of a quintet, and selling it could lead to regret, suggesting that alternative solutions for resource management should be explored.
Selling the Automatique Reserve could be a logical step if it creates redundancy with other pieces like the RDM, which some collectors find more emblematic of F.P. Journe's distinct design language.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Jan 17, 2025

If it is not getting wrist time

Let it go. In unlimited resources I say keep everything. But when that is not the case, no reason to keep just because. Another consideration, and I don’t follow fpj(although I really want. CB), is I think this one could be required easily of your tastes change and you want one. I still have my first nice watch, and I’ve, honestly doesn’t get worn too much. I keep it just because the cost of 5k I’d get for it, doesn’t make it worth it. If it was 40k and I wasn’t wearing it then I would consider

WatchFan1

Jan 17, 2025

Thank you.

I truly appreciate your feedback.

Jan 17, 2025

If it’s not being worn…

Sell it.

quattro

Jan 17, 2025

I think I personally wouldn’t let it go. Here’s why:

1) It started your Journe journey, 2) it’s one of the best looking of the bunch, imo (personal taste of course, but my favorite from an aesthetic standpoint are RDM and AR), 3) your Journe watches don’t only have an individual value, they also have a collective one: they form an incredible quintet, which shouldn’t be diminished by becoming a quartet, 4) selling can lead to regret, whereas keeping just forces you to find another solution. Just my personal reaction, but you know better than me of

eklektik

Jan 17, 2025

I'm totally in line with all your comments Quattro! Particularly point number 2. Its very simple & pure design makes it ideal in my eyes. The other complex ones give a very different spirit. Best, E.

quattro

Jan 17, 2025

I couldn't agree more with your words: ideal simple & pure design.

Best, Emmanuel