The $8.3M Auction Record

F.P. Journe is doing numbers - $8.3 million, to be exact.

That’s what one of his earliest wristwatches just sold for at auction.

Not bad for a guy who started building watches in a repurposed gaslamp factory in central Geneva.

And here’s the kicker - this wasn’t a Patek. Not a vintage Rolex. This was the second wristwatch Journe ever made, back in 1993.

Sold for 8.3M. Link to auction here

So how did this relatively new name become the collector’s brand? A few reasons:

• Every movement is made in-house from 18K rose gold (yes, even the parts you don’t see).

• Each watch is built start to finish by one watchmaker. No assembly lines. No shortcuts.

• Limited to around 1,000 pieces per year, making each one feel personal and rare.

The guy even stamps “Invenit et Fecit” on the movements - Latin for “invented and made.” It’s not just branding. He actually means it.

And sure, there’s been some drama - rumors about Journe saying something off at a collector dinner. Not ideal. But the watches? Still absolute masterpieces.

Long story short: F.P. Journe went from rebellious watch nerd to record-breaker. If that’s not the dream, I don’t know what is.

Talk soon,

Ben

PS! I can’t promise record-breaking auctions, but I can promise some very cool watches - have a look right HERE.