Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2005 Case No: 40/69V Model Name: Vagabondage Material: Platinum Calibre: Mechanical, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black F.P. Journe crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold F.P. Journe folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 36 mm. width Signed:Case, dial and movement signed, case further engraved 40/69V Accessories: With F.P. Journe undated Certificate.
Catalogue Essay
In 2004, F.P. Journe introduced the Vagabondage, which was the first F.P. Journe's watch with a tonneau-shaped case, rather than a circular case. The watch was greeted with enormous praise and really broke the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. Each watch features the 'wandering hour' dial, which is where the name Vagabondage comes from. The present watch is numbered 40 of a limited edition of 69 pieces only and is presented in overall excellent condition.
Founded by watchmaker François-Paul Journe in 1999, the F.P. Journe brand is relatively young, but already is as highly regarded by collectors as many distinguished manufacturers with centuries-old heritage. In the minds of the world's savviest collectors, Journe is producing some of the finest wristwatches the market has ever seen. Mastering his craft from restoring historical timepieces, he was the first to create a wristwatch incorporating two escapements that benefit from the phenomenon of resonance — the Chronomètre à Résonance.
Key models include the Résonance, tourbillon wristwatches incorporating a remontoir and the limited edition Vagabondage series. Especially sought-after are his earliest "souscription" watches, made in 1999.