My concern about fp journe

[Amd]

As ive been reading more about the brand ive seen many people saying that the brand may not lost and may be sold to a conglomerate in the future. i want to know your guys' thought on this(fp journe not staying independent)

[tavv160]

I do not see being sold to a large conglomerate as an issue. Yes, independent watchmakers have a certain charm, but in the long term it is better for continuity to be part of a conglomerate. You will be certain that your watch can be serviced in the future.

For example, Lange is part of Richemont, and they have their own identity & innovation. To me they feel like an independent watchmaker, which actually they are not. But because of this you can be pretty sure they will still be around in 20 years and more.

[GB-man]

Of course it's possible but nobody knows the future. They seem to have a strong following and I don't see them disappearing anytime soon.

Is there a particular reference you're interested in?

[MrJ320]

Originally Posted by tavv160

I do not see being sold to a large conglomerate as an issue. Yes, independent watchmakers have a certain charm, but in the long term it is better for continuity to be part of a conglomerate. You will be certain that your watch can be serviced in the future.

For example, Lange is part of Richemont, and they have their own identity & innovation. To me they feel like an independent watchmaker, which actually they are not. But because of this you can be pretty sure they will still be around in 20 years and more.

I agree with this and also don't see being a part of a conglomerate is an issue. It's more important to see how the conglomerate treats the brand under their umbrella. I do think Richemont did a good job allowing Lange to stay pretty independent under their umbrella.

For me it's actually better to understand what Journe's longer term strategy is. It's one thing for an independent to manufacture watches based on more standard parts so that they can be serviced down the road by others. For something like Journe where some of the movements are quite complicated, with proprietary parts and tools (even things like screws), it'll be interesting how Journe will maintain serviceability of their watches in the long run.

[Amd]

Thank you guys for your answers. I was just wondering is this how all independents end up (being bought by a conglomorate) because i dont see it happening to for example kari voutilainen, vianey halter, andreas strehler....

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by Amd

Thank you guys for your answers. I was just wondering is this how all independents end up (being bought by a conglomorate) because i dont see it happening to for example kari voutilainen, vianey halter, andreas strehler....

The only certainty I have is that they not going to live forever....so what follows after them is anyone's guess.... There is quite a bit about Journe and what happens post his departure I.to. Access to watch details etc...we tend to forget that even Richard Mille is owned 20% by Swatch!!!

[texex91]

Originally Posted by KarlS

The only certainty I have is that they not going to live forever....so what follows after them is anyone's guess.... There is quite a bit about Journe and what happens post his departure I.to. Access to watch details etc...we tend to forget that even Richard Mille is owned 20% by Swatch!!!

May want to do some homework on a company you know nothing about before tossing out mis-statements. Fake news.

20% by AP.

RM & AP are private companies (just like Patek).

OP, buy what you like and enjoy.

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by texex91

May want to do some homework on a company you know nothing about before tossing out mis-statements. Fake news.

20% by AP.

RM & AP are private companies (just like Patek).

OP, buy what you like and enjoy.

I was close...it was Richemont owning 20% of GF...and of course what could have been an informative correction of my error would have been just as helpful without being an ass

[texex91]

Originally Posted by KarlS

I was close...it was Richemont owning 20% of GF...and of course what could have been an informative correction of my error would have been just as helpful without being an ass

Well you weren't close and it was corrected. Always good to learn new things.

[lapince]

When FPJ dies probably and hopefully as the movements are not simple ones, I am going even more niche with a Voutilainen scheduled in May, but his movements are so simple that any watchmaker can service them, doing it without scratches is another story, and reason why until he disappears Kari will service it. Anyways if you want a Journe I wouldn't let that bother you, independent or not his watches are special, if you like one get it

[jschmidtdmd]

Karl- there have been many rumors of swatch buying RM. I'm sure that's where you had confusion.

[texex91]

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by Amd

As ive been reading more about the brand ive seen many people saying that the brand may not lost and may be sold to a conglomerate in the future. i want to know your guys' thought on this(fp journe not staying independent)

The people that say the brand will sold to a conglomerate are dumb.

That's the short answer.

The longer answer is that Mr. Journe has already been offered a buyout and has refused. He will never sell out. He is a smart person and he already has plans for the future of his company after his passing. Did you know he has his own watchmaking school? It's right at FPJ HQ. Guess why.

[TG3N]

Originally Posted by texex91

Well you weren't close and it was corrected. Always good to learn new things.

Always good to be courteous as well.