Timeout
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I try not to overthink these things.
When all is said and done these are all discretionary, non-essential purchases and we all come at this from different angles. Given the production numbers of FPJ and the personal involvement of FP in allocation (possible due to the small numbers) control over boutique distribution is tighter than most brands.
I came across this article a while back with sums up the FPJ approach

My relationship with Journe came from a longer standing relationship with someone who joined one of their new boutiques who knew I was a long term collector. I had already purchased two Journe pieces in the secondary market (before prices went through the roof) and since then I have been allocated one piece for each of the past 3 years - QP, RN and elegante). Hopefully I’ll get a CO next year - but no guarantees and I’m always careful to send them photos of the special occasions for which the watches were procured and subsequently worn. They know that these are not “safe queens” and I’ve been happy to share them with prospective clients at the boutique - useful from their perspective as they don’t carry inventory of many pieces.
I think the AP Swatch collaboration is fine - not renting space in my head - and if it makes people happy - whether flippers or long term holders then who’s to argue. Doesn’t make me think any differently about my 15202 RO.
All in - I would still say I’m having fun with my FPJ experience 😊
Very sensible post, Jay.
By: MichaelC : May 14th, 2026-14:07
I believe you are viewing the Swatch collaborations through the correct lens. Given this community, and the watches we all generally like, it is easy to see where much of the negativity comes from. But Swatch / AP did not have us in mind as the target aud...
why not both? 😂
By: Fastwong : May 14th, 2026-15:16
My take is more cynical - They are exactly the same thing. One is fun for billionaires and the other is fun for everyone else. I would add on a layer that both demos are dominated by unsophisticated consumers so both are driven by brand / hype (fun?), nei...
Hype is not bad.
By: Bruno.M1 : May 14th, 2026-15:23
I’m not against hype, but I’m not particularly for it either—it doesn’t matter that much to me. That said, I do think it’s generally a positive thing, because it likely attracts a lot of new customers. People might initially be drawn in by so-called hype ...
Thanks for sharing.
By: Jay (Eire) : May 14th, 2026-18:47
It is good to report that article, this is my understanding of how allocations work too and the view held by the company as a whole. For me, my quest of late has been to identify and purchase what I would consider an every day Journe. If I were full time ...
Thanks Jay.
By: Timeout : May 14th, 2026-19:20
I was fortunate in that the Assistant boutique manger with whom I have the relationship in London I had known for some years and followed him through a few Richemont brands prior to his move to Journe. My first two Journes were purchased in the pre-owned ...
I love these FPJ watches
By: gary_g : May 14th, 2026-22:57
As far as swatch, I like swatch. I used to wear them. Now my 9 year old son has a couple. But I do not like these collabs. I think it cheapens the more serious brand. Bc the person wearing a plastic omega thinks (and says) that it’s an omega. No, it’s a s...
I agree completely.
By: gary_g : May 16th, 2026-04:02
I’ve been into watches for about 30 years - a bug I caught from my dad. And I’ve seen trends come and go. I think sticking to what you love and appeals to you is what really matters. Everything is pontification (on my part). Harmless banter, really.
Pipe dreams and Only Fans
By: Jay (Eire) : May 16th, 2026-12:18
(Continuing with the somewhat provocative titles! LOL) Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts Christian. Myself, and I’m sure everyone here, value your input and perspectives. First off, as I sometimes do I was trying to be a little provocative...
LOL love the headline 😂
By: ChristianDK : May 17th, 2026-12:59
I used to be able to wear any watch pretty much anywhere I would go. Watches was simply not a hobby in most people’s eyes and an expensive watch was a Rolex. I agree that the light heartedness was so much more charming. You and I have been fortunate with ...