When a brand buys back its own watches, sometimes it is for somewhat sinister reasons. One frequent modus operandi, to win the bid at a very high price in an effort raise the used prices. A homage of the same model will soon to be introduced and thus may be launched at a higher price. As the precedence is already set due to the price just achieved by the aforesaid purchase. But in this particular F.P Journe’s case, this is furthest from the minds of the brand. The F.P. Journe Patrimoine is a service to allow sold out rare and/or limited edition watches to be made available to the collector. Details within.
The F.P. Journe Patrimoine watches which are available now (October 9, 2016)
The key principle behind a limited series is never to produce more than announced regardless of their success. Some maisons respect this principle, while others flaunt it when they think no one is looking. But someone is always looking, and almost all the time, they are caught red handed, much to their embarrassment. But to the best of our knowledge, F.P. Journe is among those who respect and follow the principle to the T.
This new Patrimoine (patrimoine means inheritance in French) service allows F. P. Journe collectors access to enrich their collection by giving them the opportunity to purchase rare watches which are have completed their production limited edition run.
The F.P. Journe Tourbillon Remontoir d’Egalité avec Seconde Morte with a black mother of pearl dial. A unique piece produced for Sincere Watch is an example of a watch which may qualify for the Patrimoine Service.
As and when the opportunity arises, F.P. Journe purchases these watches. These may include the early F.P. Journe watches in brass movements, unique pieces, and limited editions series. François-Paul Journe himself personally evaluates each piece and validates the purchase.
The watches are then completely restored with the latest updates at the F.P. Journe Manufacture’s Geneva workshops. These collector pieces then qualify for a new three-year sales warranty and are delivered with a new box and warranty card. We think this is a great initiative as the watches are verified and authenticated, and brought to as new condition. The buyer can purchase in complete confidence. And F. P. Journe can retain control of its image, guaranteeing the authenticity of the watch. Brilliant idea!
We hope more manufactures will follow suit and provide a similar service.
The watches are listed on the F. P. Journe website and are then available upon client request in the F.P. Journe Boutiques.
