F. P. Journe

[Willyjo]

Hello TRF gang. Am in Tokyo on biz and went to FPJ boutique. It was closed and had a note advising to email for an appt. Received this response.

Have to say am rather flabbergasted by the attitude of the watchmakers these days. Will be interesting to see how they fare in a couple of months when this financial crisis really gets some legs.


Dear Mr. xxxx

Thank you for requesting a reservation to come to our boutique in Tokyo.

May we ask you in advance what kind of services you would wish for on the day of your visit?

It is possible for us to take your reservation for you to come to the boutique, but we currently have no stock of any items that you could purchase immediately.

Please note that if you wish to purchase any item, you will need to fill out a request form for that purpose, and wait at least from about several years up to 10 years until delivery.

Therefore, we recommend you to take a reservation with a boutique close to your place of residence as much as possible.

We thank you for your kind understanding on that regard.
F.P.JOURNE Tokyo boutique


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[Andad]

No new clients required?

[2loaded]

Wow, of all the nerve...

[Lukla]

waiting privilege inheritance..

[Emery]

Would it have made a difference if they met up with you, buttered you up, and told you the same thing?

At least they’re upfront with you and saved you a trip to see some furniture.

[Emery]

Deleted.

[Moondoggy]

Embarrassing.

Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.

[charger_vital]

It comes off as a little smug. It could have been worded differently. But it probably saves you and them time and disappointment.

My visit to the FPJ shop on Sunset in LA was awesome. They had no stock but they were happy to let me in, offer me some scotch and spend over an hour just talking about independent watches (FPJ and others).

[ILoveFerrari]

Originally Posted by Emery

Would it have made a difference if they met up with you, buttered you up, and told you the same thing?

At least they’re upfront with you and saved you a trip to see some furniture.

exactly. Strict to the point I found the email. No unnecessary PC crap. Perfectly fine with me as I am not a snowflake.

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[Spartan2009]

Just came back from Geneva after touring the Journe production facility. Almost all of the waiting lists have been closed. This includes the Eleganté both 40 and 48 size. Even if there is a hard recession you’re still looking at 5 years before receiving anything. Journe clients are not likely to opt out of their place in line.

[Ichiran]

I don't mind the 10-year wait for the Resonance but I'm not from Tokyo so I guess I can't make a reservation there.

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by Spartan2009

Just came back from Geneva after touring the Journe production facility. Almost all of the waiting lists have been closed. This includes the Eleganté both 40 and 48 size. Even if there is a hard recession you’re still looking at 5 years before receiving anything. Journe clients are not likely to opt out of their place in line.

Problem is for those who arent regular customers. I only got an elegante a few years ago, and despite being on the list for a linesport a few years ago before it even became popular, my wait has been a moving target. I was told 6 months. 6 more months, then 6 more months, then I don't have a place in line anymore.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Willyjo

Have to say am rather flabbergasted by the attitude of the watchmakers these days. Will be interesting to see how they fare in a couple of months when this financial crisis really gets some legs.

They will be just fine

[Jay (Eire)]

Did you reply? Coming from SG this is pretty much your local boutique (or HK) and so let them know that. I assume they have something to show you and would do so willingly. Although nothing to sell you, which surely you already knew as this has been the case for a long time now.

My experience in Tokyo over the years has always been welcoming although staff are always more comfortable speaking Japanese (understandably).

[1William]

I praise them for being direct and straight with information. No need to waste your time or the time of staff.

[Spartan2009]

Originally Posted by dchang81

Problem is for those who arent regular customers. I only got an elegante a few years ago, and despite being on the list for a linesport a few years ago before it even became popular, my wait has been a moving target. I was told 6 months. 6 more months, then 6 more months, then I don't have a place in line anymore.

I am really sorry to hear that. This is the first time I have heard a story like this one. Did they give you a reason why you were no longer in line for a line sport?

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by Spartan2009

I am really sorry to hear that. This is the first time I have heard a story like this one. Did they give you a reason why you were no longer in line for a line sport?

I mean it's not a huge deal, I understand it's hard for them to tell who's a flipper and who's a watch enthusiast. They basically told me I need to come to more events and show interest. I told them I'm not sure how many times I need to drag my wife and eat quiche to prove I'm worthy. I would go in every few months to try stuff on and go to events to meet other collectors. This was before the insanity started too so it's not like I was jumping on the bandwagon.

Prob reposting this portion but I remember i took some ire for buying the elegante 48, which at the time of my purchase was still called a cheap quartz woman's watch. My wife who doesn't have a strong opinion did give me credit for buying something that no one cared for then it eventually became a monster hit. Heck I passed on a chunky discount from an AD to buy at the boutique just to build a relationship, but I guess that's ending at just one watch. I totally understand they have to cater to their big clients, loyal clients, but for regular folks like me it seems pretty hard to get any traction with the brand.

Attaching a watch I debated selling everything I had to buy....don't even want to know what they go for these days...

[_speedmaster_]

Their obsession with people attending events is somewhat comical to me. They act as if flippers don't have the ability to feign interest and attend watch events. Or the classic, "we want to get to know you"... as if you would get to know me better at a large watch event as opposed to the quiet 1v1 atmosphere at the boutique on a random weekday afternoon. Additionally, not everyone lives remotely near one of the very few Journe boutiques scattered around the world. So screw those people, right?

OP, my advice is to simply move on to another brand. It's not worth the graveling and countless years waiting for a watch.

[bondibeach]

Originally Posted by 1William

I praise them for being direct and straight with information. No need to waste your time or the time of staff.

what is the staff usually doing all day long? Handing over watches?

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by bondibeach

what is the staff usually doing all day long? Handing over watches?

Buttering up high-valued current clientele.

[classicalthunder]

Originally Posted by 1William

I praise them for being direct and straight with information. No need to waste your time or the time of staff.

agreed, set the expectations and then if they can improve on that its a win for them and you. Much better than the frustration that occurs with the vague and opaque process for getting a Rolex of AP this day in age...

I threw my name in for a for a CS in NYC, and am totally fine with it taking 5-ish years so I can save up haha. But every time I go to the boutique, they have some samples for me to view and are more than hospitable.

I do think, if this is your regional boutique that you should mention it but I would imagine you would need to pop in every now and then to 'stay active' on the waitlist.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by classicalthunder

agreed, set the expectations and then if they can improve on that its a win for them and you. Much better than the frustration that occurs with the vague and opaque process for getting a Rolex of AP this day in age...

I threw my name in for a for a CS in NYC, and am totally fine with it taking 5-ish years so I can save up haha. But every time I go to the boutique, they have some samples for me to view and are more than hospitable.

I do think, if this is your regional boutique that you should mention it but I would imagine you would need to pop in every now and then to 'stay active' on the waitlist.

It’s one thing to set expectations; I think mostly everyone appreciates that.

Part of the fun of being a watch enthusiast is going into ADs and boutiques and talking watches. Even if there is no stock and you have virtually no chance of obtaining a watch, it’s still fun to shoot the breeze with a person working in the industry. Having this overly formal process, where you are meant to go hat in hand to even step foot inside the establishment, is cold and off putting.

[dchang81]

I go to other dealers and shoot the s--t all the time just because I like talking watches or about other random common interests. I guess when it happens organically that's one thing, but a bit off putting when I know I'm just checking off my monthly visit quota to get a watch. Probably just a me issue. Like I posted in an AP thread maybe I'm just an a-hole too is why no one wants to sell me a watch

[PhilLynott]

Why would you be upset about a polite straightforward email explaining the situation so you don't waste your time and theirs?

[JR16]

I find the email refreshing! Honest, direct, to the point.


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[jcatral14]

Perhaps could have been worded differently but it's pretty much accurate. They won't have anything to sell but I am certain they have some pieces to show you. The New York Boutique is currently closed as they are moving and only have a small office (I am told) but they are awesome and willing to meet for coffee and show some pieces (albeit by appointment only). When they were at their previous location, they were very inviting and no appointments needed.

[Spartan2009]

Originally Posted by dchang81

I mean it's not a huge deal, I understand it's hard for them to tell who's a flipper and who's a watch enthusiast. They basically told me I need to come to more events and show interest. I told them I'm not sure how many times I need to drag my wife and eat quiche to prove I'm worthy. I would go in every few months to try stuff on and go to events to meet other collectors. This was before the insanity started too so it's not like I was jumping on the bandwagon.

Prob reposting this portion but I remember i took some ire for buying the elegante 48, which at the time of my purchase was still called a cheap quartz woman's watch. My wife who doesn't have a strong opinion did give me credit for buying something that no one cared for then it eventually became a monster hit. Heck I passed on a chunky discount from an AD to buy at the boutique just to build a relationship, but I guess that's ending at just one watch. I totally understand they have to cater to their big clients, loyal clients, but for regular folks like me it seems pretty hard to get any traction with the brand.

Attaching a watch I debated selling everything I had to buy....don't even want to know what they go for these days...

Congratulations on getting the E48. I kick myself from time to time for not getting on when I had the opportunity. For Journe collectors you have to have a long established purchase history or you make it a priority to meet with your representative a few times a year.

I live in Houston and I deal with the NYC boutique. Between business and vacation trips I usually make about 2-3 events a year. A 2 months ago my wife and I drove to Austin for a Journe collectors dinner. I'm not wealthy, but I've made Journe a collecting priority. For the casual collector I can see how it can be very frustrating. During the tour last week I was told they make 300 Elegante watches a year and 900 mechanical. There is no plan to increase output at all in the near future.

Getting 1 Journe a year is equivalent to having a lottery odds of 1 in 6 million based on current production levels so that should always factor into anyone's decision to pursue a Journe watch. To me, I think of buying a Journe watch is analogous to buying a watch from Berguet when he was alive .

[GB-man]

Considering there’s a language barrier I don’t think they were rude. They were more or less setting the stage for realistic expectations and did after all say you could visit. I would confirm that this is your local boutique, I’m kind of surprised Singapore doesn’t have a retailer? Is that so?

[Allanmodel]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I’m kind of surprised Singapore doesn’t have a retailer? Is that so?

We do have a retailer here in Singapore.....but, same thing they are not interested in selling to walk in customer or 1st timer......(I'm one of them, looking to get FPJ & MB&F)

what a shame~~

[ILoveFerrari]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Considering there’s a language barrier I don’t think they were rude. They were more or less setting the stage for realistic expectations and did after all say you could visit. I would confirm that this is your local boutique, I’m kind of surprised Singapore doesn’t have a retailer? Is that so?

nah, the English in the email is perfect. It's not the language barrier but rather expectation of customer service and delivery of rejection based on different cultures.

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