Allow me to share with you a quick visit I paid to the FP Journe manufacture in Geneva a few weeks ago. With a multitude of patented and award-winning innovations, a distinguishable aesthetic code you could call neo-classical and a worldwide distribution network with no less than 9 brand-owned boutiques, Francois-Paul Journe is arguably the most established independent watchmaker that has been able to successfully build a brand around his name.
Unlike most other brands in the Geneva area scattered in the industrial zone and nearby towns in the vicinity like Meyrin, FP Journe’s HQ and production facility is located right in the center of Geneva. The manufacture is set in a historical building that used to be a manufacturer of gas lamps, and then became a place for other artisanal works like leather accessories.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a majestic 3-metres tall astronomical clock made by French watchmaker Detouche in 1855 for the Universal Exposition in Paris. Perhaps a nod to Journe’s beginnings in restoring pocket watches and clocks.
The ceiling consists of frescos by the astronomer Apianus and date back to 1550. There was even a pre-electrical lamp consisting of a glass candle globe with a mirror, that watchmakers used back in the day to illuminate their workbenches. It’s these little details that show Francois Paul Journe’s uncanny passion and respect for the traditions of watchmaking.
Before the actual tour started, I was led to a meeting room where a French-made 18th century clock that quite possibly inspired the Resonance was kept. Next to it was one of FPJ’s initial design sketches, done on the napkin of a Parisian restaurant. Incredible how close these resemble the watches produced years later.
Our tour started in the basement, where components manufacturing takes place. Like any full-fledged watch manufacture, this involved multiple-axis CNC machines, spark erosion machines, metal lathes, and other machines. Everything from movement plates and bridges to gears, levers and pinions are made here. What I found particularly cool were the FP Journe branded CNC machines!
Once the components have been made and an initial quality control is carried out, they move on to movement decoration. A different watchmaker specializing in movement decoration carries out each decoration technique. This involves chamfering and polishing edges, satin-brushing surfaces by hand, applying Cotes de Genève stripes and so on.
Certain decorations are done with the assistance of machines, like the micro-perlage circular graining on the main plate of the movement.
Because of the complexity of FP Journe’s watches and the training involved in being able to assemble one, the watch assembly department is divided into several workshops; each dedicated to working on a single product or product line. Also, unlike bigger brands that work in more of an assembly line fashion, each watchmaker at FP Journe is responsible for building a watch from start to finish. In fact Francois-Paul Journe’s own office is also a watchmaking workshop, where he works on new concepts and prototypes until they’re ready to be serially produced.
I got to visit arguably two of the most prestigious workshops, dedicated to tourbillons and minute repeaters. And unfortunately while I still didn’t get to see FP Journe’s latest creation, the T-30 Tourbillon, I did get to witness one in the making, and my God is it spectacular.
I also got to see the incredible GPHG ‘06 “Aiguille d’Or” award-winning Sonnerie Souveraine, which features no less than 10 patents. Here it is in the final stages of assembly.
I’ll save some of the finished watches I got to handle for another post, but for now…
More information on www.fpjourne.com
