F.P. Journe

The Goal is Soul
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My return to Journe

I sold my “last Journe” in the dark winter of 2007.  It was a yellow gold dial, pre dead second tourbillon.  At the time, I was on a binge, collecting several unusual RM pieces resulting in budgetary considerations.   Hanging up the phone, after closing on the sale of the tourb left me with a sinking feeling.  The original style remontoir was my favorite piece; a watch only FP himself could have designed.  I just knew that it would be nearly impossible to find another mint version at a reasonable price.

I sensed that I had sold my soul, chasing an emotional lust for a rare new item, instead of being true to my own heart.  Punishment was nothing less than watch purgatory as I observed a select few random pieces selling for top dollar.  At one point, I caved, seeing a yg dial pre dead seconds for sale on a website.  And then, when I inquired about the watch (ready to spend far more then I should for another yg dialed Journe) my ears heard the sirens’ song; it had been sold on the previous day.

The ugly, sinking feeling of lost love had truly taken hold.

I began lurking on other forums.  PP, JLC, the Independent; just to name a few.  Purchased three Pateks; sold all three in a few days.  I deeply admire the brand.  But looking at the multiple pusher points required for changing the functions on the PP annual calendar reminded me how advanced, refined and stunning FP’s Calendrier is.

Still lost, I considered changing travel plans for an upcoming trip to Europe to meet a brilliant watchmaker.  Perhaps his wares could fill the Journe – sized hole in my heart… But none of this made sense.  It was like going to single clubs to meet women while still hungering for an old love.   

I knew there was only one way to escape, one possible long-shot at redemption.  I sold most my watches… and waited.  Waited for serendipity. For forgiveness.  For a return of grace from the Great WIS in the Sky.

And as I maintained my patience, in the darkest hours, I received an email.  It seamed that a mint Champaign dialed pre dead second with a rich silver sub dial might be available.  A question was asked; “Did I want it”?

All smiles my dear WIS friends, all smiles J

And then, within 24 hours another trade took place (that was months in the making) freeing up a Ruthenium-dialed Calendrier.  The watch’s condition you might ask…  as new J.

It was if the spirits of the passionate-collectors-of-old were testing me.  Choose, they demanded, choose between a pristine pre dead second tourb or, the ultimate daily wear automatic Ruthenium Calendrier.  Sensing the presence of my forefathers, knowing it was my singular duty to chart a course and then set sail, I smiled, cast my eyes skyward, and answered their call of duty.  The resulting pictures give testimony to my story.

BB

The Goal is Soul