Montres Journe SA, more commonly known as F.P. Journe, was founded on June 27th, 1999 by François-Paul Journe. Journe created his first watch in 1982 in Paris, and has previously worked for several high end watchmakers before starting his own brand. Based in Geneva, F.P. Journe not only designs and builds its own movements but also owns its own in-house casemaker, Les Boîtiers de Genève, and its own dialmaker, Les Cadraniers de Genève. This philosophy is reflected in the company’s motto Invenit et Fecit, latin for “invented and made by hand.” A minority stake was acquired by Chanel in 2018, similar to previous investments made in Bell & Ross and Romain Gauthier.
Jean Todt
The F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain F “Formula Jean Todt” was produced from 2008 to 2017 and has the distinction of having the famous former Ferrari boss as its Godfather. There is also an exclusive version featuring the Ferrari logo and the initials “JT” on a Ferrari red dial, with only three in existence.
Christie’s Auction of Michael Schumacher’s Collection
A May 2024 Christie’s auction included a unique F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1 from the personal collection of Michael Schumacher. One of several watches consigned by Schumacher’s family, the one-off timepiece features a red custom dial with a Ferrari prancing horse logo, the German legend’s racing helmet, and seven FIA globes representing each of his Formula One world championships. Also included in the auction was a complete F.P Journe Ruthenium Collection Set, a personalized white gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, and a 1971 Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Cosmograph Daytona.
References
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolbesler/2018/09/27/chanel-acquires-a-minority-stake-in-f-p-journe-extends-its-reach-in-luxury-watchmaking/?sh=716b1a3c319d
https://www.mrwatchmaster.com/extremely-rare-ferrari-themed-watches-to-sell-at-christies-in-geneva/
https://www.fpjourne.com/en/collection/boutique-collection/centigraphe-souverain-f
https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/michael-schumacher-watch-auction-christies-1235553505/#!
https://www.esquire.com/uk/watches/a60728534/michael-schumachers-watches-auction/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce7Eynr5f4U
https://www.christies.com/en/stories/watch-highlights-from-the-property-of-michael-schumacher-52167d63074144bcb9b57fb30c1d975a