first journe

[Ahfe]

Hello guys, thinking of paying FPJ boutique a visit and have few questions..
My understanding for first one it will be CS or linesport basic but can you get octa basic or octa lune, and what's the average wait time for the first one? Also, so heard some boutiques are nicer than others, with NYC being the worst..

Thanks

[llngoc]

My advice will be putting down the ones which you really like on the interest list and disregard which ones may be easier to get. The boutique staff's goal is to get you what you really love and it would be worse if you get offered something you do not love and reject it.

I just had this conversation with our boutique and it seems like the first visit now is really just a get to know you visit and they may not even ask for your interest list. So do plan on more than one visit (and may be a lot more...)

All the boutique staff I have encountered are nice and professional. It is a very difficult job to tell someone (even a long time collector) that he/she will not get an allocation without hurting some feelings. They are always trying to moderate expectations.

BTW, LA boutique is now closed for expansion so you may want to check if you plan to visit there.

[Ahfe]

Originally Posted by llngoc

My advice will be putting down the ones which you really like on the interest list and disregard which ones may be easier to get. The boutique staff's goal is to get you what you really love and it would be worse if you get offered something you do not love and reject it.

I just had this conversation with our boutique and it seems like the first visit now is really just a get to know you visit and they may not even ask for your interest list. So do plan on more than one visit (and may be a lot more...)

All the boutique staff I have encountered are nice and professional. It is a very difficult job to tell someone (even a long time collector) that he/she will not get an allocation without hurting some feelings. They are always trying to moderate expectations.

BTW, LA boutique is now closed for expansion so you may want to check if you plan to visit there.

Thanks for the heads-up, that's actually where I was thinking of going, and I heard it was not a good idea to build multiple lists in different boutiques..

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by Ahfe

Thanks for the heads-up, that's actually where I was thinking of going, and I heard it was not a good idea to build multiple lists in different boutiques..

You should pick a boutique which is most convenient for you to visit in the future as you may need multiple visits to get a realistic chance for an allocation.

Building a list in multiple boutique will definitely get you flagged as a flipper.

[dakkonmc]

The wait time will vary depending on the watch you listed and your engagement with FPJ. I would suggest to request the watch you really want. I would expect a relatively long wait time.

900 mechanical watches. + 350 elegante. There are 12 boutique and a number of AD worldwide. It's very limited number of watches per point of sale.

It may takes years to get your allocation. If you can buy one at a reasonable prices on the secondary market. It may not be a bad option.

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by Ahfe

Hello guys, thinking of paying FPJ boutique a visit and have few questions..
My understanding for first one it will be CS or linesport basic but can you get octa basic or octa lune, and what's the average wait time for the first one? Also, so heard some boutiques are nicer than others, with NYC being the worst..

Thanks

You can get an automatique lune as a first Journe. It was the first watch offered to me.

[Ahfe]

Originally Posted by dakkonmc

You can get an automatique lune as a first Journe. It was the first watch offered to me.

Octa lune, or CS automatique lune? Also, after how long?

[dakkonmc]

It was an automatique lune. I think my situation was an exception and not the norm. Heard from some current owners of FPJ watches waiting 3 to 4 years for additional allocations ( not CO, RQ, or black label)

I think a realistic expectation should be 2.5 years +

[Brit78]

For your first FP Journe, you can usually get a CS or LineSport. Octa models might be available too. Wait times vary, often a few months to a year. Some boutiques are nicer than others; NYC can be hit or miss. Good luck!

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by Brit78

For your first FP Journe, you can usually get a CS or LineSport. Octa models might be available too. Wait times vary, often a few months to a year. Some boutiques are nicer than others; NYC can be hit or miss. Good luck!

been waiting for a linesport for 5 years.............

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by dchang81

been waiting for a linesport for 5 years.............

Good luck my friend, I hope you get a call this fall.

[Skyrider01]

As far as wait times, I was told that about 400 watches are allocated to the US each year, and they have about 5000 people on the list.

The higher complication pieces are made in fewer numbers than those with the simpler movements, so depending on what you ask for, wait times will vary from maybe a year to several years.

They require 3 interactions with them (boutique visits, attending events,...) before they will consider you for an allocation.

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

As far as wait times, I was told that about 400 watches are allocated to the US each year, and they have about 5000 people on the list.

The higher complication pieces are made in fewer numbers than those with the simpler movements, so depending on what you ask for, wait times will vary from maybe a year to several years.

They require 3 interactions with them (boutique visits, attending events,...) before they will consider you for an allocation.

One challenge some of us face is that some allocations are likely already committed. I know several individuals with a significant purchase history ( with a long list) who likely have priority.

I would love to own a few Black Label, I can't imagine when the requests might be fulfilled.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by dakkonmc

One challenge some of us face is that some allocations are likely already committed. I know several individuals with a significant purchase history ( with a long list) who likely have priority.

I would love to own a few Black Label, I can't imagine when the requests might be fulfilled.

*a few*

May I ask what are the BLs on the wishlist? I personally feel that the Octa, Octa Lune and CO are probably the best BLs since they all have plenty of "empty" spaces to make the black finish looks really nice. And the negative space becomes part of the play. I usually do not like an empty dial with a lot of negative space but it works perfectly on the black label.

I just received my first black label and now it will be hard going forward with grey dial. It is just amazing how well the black dial matches the platinum case. The BE's black + rose gold is also stunning but too bad that they are now discontinued.

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by llngoc

*a few*

May I ask what are the BLs on the wishlist? I personally feel that the Octa, Octa Lune and CO are probably the best BLs since they all have plenty of "empty" spaces to make the black finish looks really nice. And the negative space becomes part of the play. I usually do not like an empty dial with a lot of negative space but it works perfectly on the black label.

I just received my first black label and now it will be hard going forward with grey dial. It is just amazing how well the black dial matches the platinum case. The BE's black + rose gold is also stunning but too bad that they are now discontinued.

It's a real shame they discontinue Boutique Edition and mother of pearl. There are a number of stunning pieces in the collection.

I agree with you. In my opinion, Octa Lune and CO are the most attractive black label options. I considered requesting both, but I love the Havana Lune in RG.

I am requesting a CO and CS.. I can't imagine receiving these pieces anytime in the near future.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by dakkonmc

It's a real shame they discontinue Boutique Edition and mother of pearl. There are a number of stunning pieces in the collection.

I agree with you. In my opinion, Octa Lune and CO are the most attractive black label options. I considered requesting both, but I love the Havana Lune in RG.

I am requesting a CO and CS.. I can't imagine receiving these pieces anytime in the near future.

Regarding BLCS, I was also interested in it but a friend pointed out that the legibility is quite bad outdoor due to the polished hands. Just want to pass on this tidbit. Of course it is a gorgeous piece and who cares if you cannot read the time easily.

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by dakkonmc

It's a real shame they discontinue Boutique Edition and mother of pearl. There are a number of stunning pieces in the collection.

I agree with you. In my opinion, Octa Lune and CO are the most attractive black label options. I considered requesting both, but I love the Havana Lune in RG.

I am requesting a CO and CS.. I can't imagine receiving these pieces anytime in the near future.

I’m also bummed out about them discontinuing the Chronometre Souverain Mother of Pearl. That’s the one watch I really wanted from FPJ. I know it was unlikely I was gonna be able to get it but I’m annoyed I didn’t even get to try.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

As far as wait times, I was told that about 400 watches are allocated to the US each year, and they have about 5000 people on the list.

The higher complication pieces are made in fewer numbers than those with the simpler movements, so depending on what you ask for, wait times will vary from maybe a year to several years.

They require 3 interactions with them (boutique visits, attending events,...) before they will consider you for an allocation.

I was also told the exact same thing. During the first and second visit, you are most likely won't even be asked for your interest list.

And I was told that only 3 pieces of Repetition Souverain will be coming to the US for 2025. Crossing my fingers...

Anecdotally, it feels like there are more Tourbillons coming than other complications.

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by llngoc

I was also told the exact same thing. During the first and second visit, you are most likely won't even be asked for your interest list.

And I was told that only 3 pieces of Repetition Souverain will be coming to the US for 2025. Crossing my fingers...

Anecdotally, it feels like there are more Tourbillons coming than other complications.

3 Repetition in US? If that's the case my guess is a lot of Tokyo chronograph are going to be produced in 2025

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by dakkonmc

3 Repetition in US? If that's the case my guess is a lot of Tokyo chronograph are going to be produced in 2025

My guess is more FFCs

[rolexpatek363]

I can't be the only person who finds ARS2 risible, surely?

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

I can't be the only person who finds ARS2 risible, surely?

I thought that everyone would hate it. over a decade ago I assumed they would go for cheap at auction and go used for a large discount but never did. An AD said that strangely they were popular. I've posted it a bunch but my wife says the yellow one looks like a Ronald McDonald edition watch

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by dchang81

I thought that everyone would hate it. over a decade ago I assumed they would go for cheap at auction and go used for a large discount but never did. An AD said that strangely they were popular. I've posted it a bunch but my wife says the yellow one looks like a Ronald McDonald edition watch

I have a yellow dial CMS on my wishlist. My wife hated it and she always try to change my mind.

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by dchang81

I thought that everyone would hate it. over a decade ago I assumed they would go for cheap at auction and go used for a large discount but never did. An AD said that strangely they were popular. I've posted it a bunch but my wife says the yellow one looks like a Ronald McDonald edition watch

Your wife has a good eye.

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by llngoc

I met a gentleman at the boutique who bought a 38mm brass movement tourbillon at auction. Gorgeous piece but he told me that he is still waiting for his first allocation from the boutique after almost two years.

The boutique always tried to bring in a piece for me to try on. Other collectors even let me try on their pieces when the boutique could not locate a piece to be sent in. Very generous group of collectors.

Originally Posted by dchang81

I thought that everyone would hate it. over a decade ago I assumed they would go for cheap at auction and go used for a large discount but never did. An AD said that strangely they were popular. I've posted it a bunch but my wife says the yellow one looks like a Ronald McDonald edition watch

Prior to buying the yellow ARS 2. A number of my family members said the exact same thing. This watch looks much better in person.

Aesthetically I would rank ARS 2. PT, RG, Yellow, and grey.

The precious metal version it's very heavy especially the Platinum one. It was hard to use as a daily or a sports watch. In my opinion the yellow looks better than the grey dial in person.

[APhound]

I got an octa lune for a reasonable markup. Maybe ten k or so. I would say being an owner will give you more cred at the boutique. If you’re willing to pay over via grey you’re prob not a flipper. But that’s just my opinion really.
I was also told at the boutique that you can only request watches that you try on at a boutique. Meaning you can’t just say I want x watch- you have to try one on that they have and say this is the one I want.. My guess is that’s more for first timers than a customer who has a few and wants something else.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by APhound

I got an octa lune for a reasonable markup. Maybe ten k or so. I would say being an owner will give you more cred at the boutique. If you’re willing to pay over via grey you’re prob not a flipper. But that’s just my opinion really.
I was also told at the boutique that you can only request watches that you try on at a boutique. Meaning you can’t just say I want x watch- you have to try one on that they have and say this is the one I want.. My guess is that’s more for first timers than a customer who has a few and wants something else.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I met a gentleman at the boutique who bought a 38mm brass movement tourbillon at auction. Gorgeous piece but he told me that he is still waiting for his first allocation from the boutique after almost two years.

The boutique always tried to bring in a piece for me to try on. Other collectors even let me try on their pieces when the boutique could not locate a piece to be sent in. Very generous group of collectors.

[dakkonmc]

Originally Posted by llngoc

I met a gentleman at the boutique who bought a 38mm brass movement tourbillon at auction. Gorgeous piece but he told me that he is still waiting for his first allocation from the boutique after almost two years.

The boutique always tried to bring in a piece for me to try on. Other collectors even let me try on their pieces when the boutique could not locate a piece to be sent in. Very generous group of collectors.

Had similar experience on my first formal visit. They arrange to overnight a watch from another Boutique and borrow a watch from another collector.

I can't imagine another brand would do this for someone that has no purchase history.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by dakkonmc

Had similar experience on my first formal visit. They arrange to overnight a watch from another Boutique and borrow a watch from another collector.

I can't imagine another brand would do this for someone that has no purchase history.

Yes, they offered to borrow a FFC from another collector as I missed the FFC US showing. They really want the collector to get what he/she loves. It is a huge liability on them to offer such an arrangement. It also shows that Journe collectors are very enthusiastic about the brand that they are ready to share.

[mchen42]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Yes, they offered to borrow a FFC from another collector as I missed the FFC US showing. They really want the collector to get what he/she loves. It is a huge liability on them to offer such an arrangement. It also shows that Journe collectors are very enthusiastic about the brand that they are ready to share.

LA collector?