When we talk about F.P. Journe nothing is taken for granted and it has always been synonymous with innovation, impeccable craftsmanship and a constant search for excellence in the world of independent haute horlogerie. From the ingenious mind of the founder, François-Paul Journe, there have sprung, over the years, watches that have turned this industry upside down, and the watches we are going to talk about today, fully represent this.
Indeed, among his most fascinating and revolutionary creations is the Vagabondage collection, which has captured the imagination of luxury watch aficionados thanks to its combination of futuristic design and knockout mechanics. This series of incredible timepieces consists of three distinct models, but all share the same artistic vision of François-Paul Journe.
The birth of the Vagabondage collection by F.P. Journe
The Vagabondage project saw the light of day in 1995, when a Parisian collector asked Journe to create a watch that combined the classic Abraham-Louis Breguet style with the innovative vagabond hour system, a special mechanism that shows the time through rotating discs as an alternative to the canonical hands. The project initially attracted the interest of a major watch brand (presumed to be Cartier), but it withdrew before production.
Years later, Antiquorum, a major auction house, invited Journe to make a special piece for their charity auction, who well thought of dusting off the prototype that had remained in the drawer by presenting it later at the Geneva International Watchmaking Show (SIHH). Thus was born the Vagabondage, produced in three pieces in red, white and yellow gold with a tonneau case. Success was immediate. The Vagabondage by F.P. Journe was born as a new aesthetic and functional concept, in which the precision and reliability typical of the brand, met functionality and simplicity.
2004: the first F.P. Journe Vagabondage
The first model of the Vagabondage was introduced to the public in 2004 and was a true revolution in watch design. Unlike traditional watches, which use hands to tell the time, the Vagabondage featured a rotating dial capable of moving the hour and minute numbering through a unique mechanical movement. This innovative mechanism not only attracted the attention of experts in the field, but also became a benchmark for contemporary watchmaking, combining elegance and technical complexity.
The 40 mm diameter red gold case housed a hand-wound movement, Caliber 1507, developed entirely by the house. It was powered by a series of gears and levers that worked in perfect harmony to rotate the dial and allow the time to be read.
The design of the first Vagabondage was a perfect fusion of aesthetics and functionality. The dial was minimal and clean, with Arabic numerals that rotated in an elegant and striking manner, while the transparent sapphire crystal case back allowed one to admire the craftsmanship of the movement. This first Vagabondage was produced in a limited edition of only 69 pieces in platinum, making it a true collector’s item and a symbol of horological innovation.
2010: F.P. Journe Vagabondage II
In 2010, F.P. Journe decided to expand the collection with the Vagabondage II, which, while retaining the characteristics of the original model, brought with it a number of technical and stylistic improvements. The design became more modern, with a larger case reaching 42 mm in diameter to accommodate an even more sophisticated movement. It was made in 3 configurations: 69 pieces in platinum, 68 pieces in red gold, and 10 pieces in platinum with baguette-cut diamonds.
The Vagabondage II retained the same dial rotation, but the mechanism was further refined by implementing the jumping hours complication. This new model boasted a partially skeletonized dial, through which the gears could be seen and, thanks to windows (“guichets”), the time could be conveniently read. It was also equipped with a longer power reserve, thanks to the caliber 1517, which offered an 80-hour power reserve, visible at 12 o’clock on the dial. The case, made of red gold or platinum, had a more elegant and sturdier appearance.
Another interesting aspect of the Vagabondage II was its availability in two dial variations, with Roman or Arabic numerals. The choice to keep the hand-wound movement, with the dial rotation, continues to make the Vagabondage II one of the most fascinating creations in the contemporary watchmaking scene.
2019: F.P. Journe Vagabondage III
In 2019, F.P. Journe presented the Vagabondage III, another step forward in the brand’s quest for perfection. This version stood out for its sophistication, with a larger case, 44 mm in diameter, and even more refined mechanics. The caliber 1520 was developed to ensure greater precision and reliability, and also included a power reserve indicator at 13 o’clock.
The Vagabondage III was a throwback in some respects, with the dial rotating more smoothly, but also a significant step forward in design. The skeletonized dial was embellished with a number of details, such as lume numerals and a satin finish, which made it visible and readable even in low light. The most jaw-dropping feature of this fantastic watch, in my opinion, turns out to be the continuous seconds display in digital mode, visible through the two windows at 6 o’clock. It is a technical aspect that shows the brand’s very high level of craftsmanship, which is practically unparalleled.
With a limited production run of 68 pieces in red gold, 69 pieces in platinum, and 10 pieces in platinum with baguette diamonds, the Vagabondage III has solidified its position as an extremely exclusive piece of horology, prized by collectors and haute horlogerie enthusiasts worldwide. The platinum or red gold case, combined with the sophistication of the movement, has made this watch a symbol of luxury and innovation.
Conclusions
F.P. Journe’s Vagabondage collection represents one of the purest and most revolutionary expressions of contemporary luxury watchmaking. This trilogy showed all aficionados how a singular complication (the pre-jumpers), which has been present for over a century, can still be improved and perfected. With its exclusivity and bold approach, the Vagabondage remains one of the most iconic creations of the F.P. Journe brand and a symbol of excellence in the world of watchmaking.
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