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Old 22 December 2023, 08:00 PM   #1
corky
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I too am becoming tired of these boring, tedious games. 4 years ago I didn't mind them, when I initially requested the CO. I just thought that all watch brands operated this way since I was fairly new to the world of high horology.

I've recently shifted my attention towards more accessible indie brands like Greubel Forsey, Romain Gauthier, Urwerk and to some extent De Bethune.

I never wanted to be part of a "family" or a "club", I just wanted to buy a watch I liked without overpaying on the secondary market. After being told that 2024 would be impossible and 2025 highly unlikely, I've kind of given up on FPJ. There is absolutely no way I'm sacrificing 8-10h to commute to my nearest boutique 4 times a year for 10 years just to be able to spend 200k (which will probably be the CO list price in 2030 if they keep up their ridiculous price increases).
Totally with you…. Like the watches, don’t like this ‘tail wagging the dog’. control, but that’s my choice ……..I chose Non!
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Old 22 December 2023, 09:14 PM   #2
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I think people have to stop taking it so personally. They didn’t suddenly lose interest In YOu. There’s just more people spending more money that are ahead of the que. That’s not a new concept is it? It’s a luxury time piece we’re talking about and not something we all are entitled to. It’s just the way the world works, surely people understand that.

And before people think I’m being a d*** I’ve spent about 350k UsD at Journe and have never ever been invited to a single event, never met FPj either. Never received a discount nor any special deals. I ust turn up, buy the watch and leave. I couldn’t care less if Journe is an unfriendly tw*t. I just like his watches that’s it.
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Old 22 December 2023, 11:24 PM   #3
jessiethe3rd
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FP Journe Waitlist

They manufacture 800 units per year.

Let that sink in.

Supply versus demand.

I don’t think the amount of money you spend with Journe matters as much as your intent and time spent. The buying experience is different than all the majors. They control the means of distribution and the supply.

When I see stories like the one that was out recently in YT about François-Paul’s behavior at a dinner party I kind of chuckle to myself. Like this brand has enough clout to start a rumor mill.

Last edited by jessiethe3rd; 22 December 2023 at 11:31 PM.. Reason: Add more detail
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Old 23 December 2023, 01:57 AM   #4
kunlun
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Patek production is over 55k per year, according to several people in the industry I've spoken to.
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Old 23 December 2023, 04:53 AM   #5
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It is a feature of every independent these days. Having money is not enough. Nothing wrong with that. Times will change, that would be opportunity for these who could not get watches this cycle. Most people who go for Journe have plenty of watches to enjoy, do that in the meantime…
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Old 23 December 2023, 05:08 AM   #6
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It is a feature of every independent these days. Having money is not enough. Nothing wrong with that. Times will change, that would be opportunity for these who could not get watches this cycle. Most people who go for Journe have plenty of watches to enjoy, do that in the meantime…
So true. Tried to chase a Simon Brette or Rexhepi and it seems like it is 100x more difficult. Most of us will need a very good referral and be able to meet the watch maker in person. It is probably a lot harder to visit Geneva regularly for most of us in the US. At least visiting a "local" FPJ boutique is a lot easier.

Agree with another member that Voutilainen is more straight forward to deal with. But extreme patience is needed. :-)
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Old 23 December 2023, 05:41 AM   #7
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That’s the problem with Journe they don’t want my money they want my time and that’s far more valuable.

Regardless I allocated myself two FPJ this year without the help of the boutique staff lol I’ll keep my time thanks.
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Old 23 December 2023, 05:45 AM   #8
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That’s the problem with Journe they don’t want my money they want my time and that’s far more valuable.

Regardless I allocated myself two FPJ this year without the help of the boutique staff lol I’ll keep my time thanks.
What magic did you perform to get two allocations without the boutique staff?
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Old 23 December 2023, 07:09 AM   #9
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What magic did you perform to get two allocations without the boutique staff?
I bought them on secondary. I did not say I had two allocations but rather I allocated two Journes to myself
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Old 23 December 2023, 07:12 AM   #10
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I bought them on secondary. I did not say I had two allocations but rather I allocated two Journes to myself

The magic of $$$

I personally actually enjoy the trip to the boutique every 1-2 month even though it involves a plane trip. It was fun to chat watches and most of the time I would run into some whale class collectors. They always have some amazing pieces to show.
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Old 23 December 2023, 08:55 PM   #11
jessiethe3rd
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The magic of $$$

I personally actually enjoy the trip to the boutique every 1-2 month even though it involves a plane trip. It was fun to chat watches and most of the time I would run into some whale class collectors. They always have some amazing pieces to show.

I feel the same way about the experience. You meet fantastic collectors and see extraordinary watches. Maybe you pick up a book. You learn something new. Pick up a new strap at the boutique. Share a glass of wine with another collector. Enjoy learning about others' journeys. Get to know some of the
boutique team. Maybe François-Paul himself, if you are lucky. One’s journey with FP Journe.

I acquired my CB from the boutique because of my budget, and at the time, retail was what I could afford. Now, yes, with the CO, I can buy it on the secondary market. But would I appreciate the watch? Would I learn as much as I have by waiting? Will I love the piece as much?

Yes, there’s some human nature at play here in the pursuit of an FP Journe piece. I am enjoying the process. The opportunity to learn from others. The humility of desire. It's a process
that may be less accessible for many. Attention is not cheap. In this age of YouTube and Instagram, many grow frustrated with FP Journe. Many may be just too poor to pay the attention necessary. That’s fine. I’d prefer they didn’t clog the allotment. Prices on the secondary drive up the value of the brand.

Indeed, cash is king and time is truly divine.
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Old 23 December 2023, 07:09 AM   #12
chimp98
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What magic did you perform to get two allocations without the boutique staff?
I think he's inferring to buy in the second hand market. I agree with this as well and did the same as my time is far more valuable than trying to buy my way into the family.
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Old 23 December 2023, 04:27 PM   #13
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Reading all these posts really makes me appreciate getting an allocation within 18 months.

The probability of getting a CO anytime in the near future is extremely unlikely based on all the stories. I think it may be easier to get one in the secondary market. About 6 months ago, I was offered a 40 mm older Co in Platinum for 15K over MSRP from a reputable seller.



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Old 21 April 2024, 03:18 AM   #14
arolexguy
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Old 18 May 2024, 09:25 PM   #15
IGY
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Folks, any idea what is the current RRP on the Chrono Souverain in Platinum? Thank you.
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Old 18 May 2024, 10:03 PM   #16
rolexpatek363
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I believe the prices here are correct.

https://www.thewatchpages.com/watche...ourne-watches/
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Old 19 May 2024, 02:31 AM   #17
IGY
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I believe the prices here are correct.

https://www.thewatchpages.com/watche...ourne-watches/

Thank you!
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Old 19 May 2024, 02:34 AM   #18
Skyrider01
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I believe the prices here are correct.

https://www.thewatchpages.com/watche...ourne-watches/
Add 6% to those prices. It looks like this year’s price increase is not accounted for.
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Old 21 May 2024, 07:47 PM   #19
rolexpatek363
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Add 6% to those prices. It looks like this year’s price increase is not accounted for.
Are you sure? Those prices are in GBP, btw.
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Old 21 May 2024, 11:32 PM   #20
llngoc
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Are you sure? Those prices are in GBP, btw.
Are you sure? It is listed as '$'.
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Old 22 May 2024, 03:22 AM   #21
Skyrider01
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Are you sure? Those prices are in GBP, btw.
Prices are showing in US$ for me when I click on that link.
I compared the price of the watch I bought this year to the prices listed, and the difference is 6%. Which leads me to conclude that those prices don’t account for the January 2024 price increase.
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Old 22 May 2024, 07:09 AM   #22
IGY
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It seems like the website geotags us and presents currency converted prices localised to our region. Gives me a decent idea on the retail prices anyhow. Thank you.
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