It’s a truism of the watch industry that the most brilliant, creative watchmakers tend to be less than brilliant businessmen, and even less brilliant designers. François-Paul Journe is an exception to both rules.
Upon founding his eponymous Haute Horology Manufacture, F.P.Journe in Geneva in 1999, the Swiss master watchmaker quickly showed that his deft touch and deep understanding of mechanisms was not only reserved to exquisite timepieces—but also to the people who coveted them.
In a relatively short time, F.P.Journe established itself as one of the most respected (and most awarded) watchmakers in contemporary horology. The independent brand’s philosophy is encapsulated on its motto, “Invenit et Fecit” (Latin for “He invented it and he made it”)— inscribed across the movements of its timepieces—it is a reminder of unwaivering committment the brand has to a vertically integrated process that sees the Manufacture design and produce almost all of its components in-house.
These days few names in the world of Swiss Haute Horology, resonate with the integrity and independent spirit of F.P.Journe.
François-Paul Journe’s journey into watchmaking began at the young age of fourteen in Marseille, and his true vocation was solidified in Paris under the mentorship of his uncle, a restorer of antique timepieces. By working with the creations of 18th-century icons like Abraham-Louis Breguet, François-Paul Journe immersed himself in what he calls the “golden age of watchmaking”. This historical knowledge and deep appreciation for the great masters continue to guide his pursuit of making his mechanical timepieces as precise as possible.
His first masterpiece—the Tourbillon Souverain—was the world’s first wristwatch to combine a tourbillon with a constant-force mechanism, known as a remontoir d’égalité. Entirely handmade by François-Paul Journe, it was deeply groundbreaking. Design-wise, it gave equal dial space to the mesmerising, whirligig tourbillon mechanism and the timekeeping—setting the tone for the uncompromising quality that would define his later work. It was this need for independence and a desire to fully express his vision for every detail—from the movement to the dial and case—that led him to establish his own Manufacture in 1999.
Embracing the full freedom to create, François-Paul Journe released his second showstopper in 2000 with the jaw-dropping Chronomètre à Résonance. Another modern icon, the timepiece featured two side-by-side time displays powered by the natural phenomenon of resonance to synchronize two independent balance wheels without a mechanical connection, thereby improving precision. It’s was a marvel of elevated thinking, scientific pursuit and elegant design.
Aficionados can debate whether the Tourbillon Souverain or the Chronomètre à Résonance is Journe’s greater gift to horological posterity; both remain flagship models of the collection, each having gone through recent evolutions (the tourbillon model, for instance, now features a new Journe innovation, the “vertical” tourbillon, in which the regulator rotates at 90° perpendicular to the dial). Regardless of which one you prefer, the “Invenit et Fecit” concept proudly underwrites both. Beyond these grand complications, the sheer diversity of the brand’s expertise is showcased in collections like the high-performance lineSport and the revolutionary electromechanical élégante collection.
François-Paul Journe’s business ambition has always stood out as much as his watchmaking and, from the off, he proved himself the canniest of market operators. While other independents were toiling over handfuls of watches a year, F.P.Journe was soon putting out hundreds—laying the groundwork for the future because doing more watches allowed for more variations, which means more collectability.
While other prestige brands were relying on third-party suppliers, F.P.Journe set about verticalising the business within its opulent Manufacture in central Geneva. For more than 25 years, the Manufacture has constantly reinforced the values of Authenticity, Rarity, and Talent (A.R.T.)—insisting that nearly all components of the watch, including the movements, dials, and cases, were designed, invented, and manufactured entirely in-house.
The pursuit of excellence is achieved through a meticulous balance of traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation. While modern machines are essential for achieving the required level of perfection, many operations, especially decoration, are still painstakingly performed by hand, ensuring that even invisible components are meticulously finished. This ensures that each watch—crafted in small series—reflects an uncompromising precision and an enduring aesthetic.
One of the specific and distinguishing features of the brand is that the movements are crafted from 18K rose Gold. This unique material choice is a first in the watchmaking world and, alongside the “Invenit et Fecit” inscription on the movement and dial, certifies that each precision chronometer is an authentic F.P.Journe calibre.
These technical feats have earned F.P.Journe the status of the most awarded watchmaker at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), including three of the coveted ‘Aiguille d’Or’ awards. The brand continues to cultivate a distinctive vision of contemporary horology, one that honours the past while resolutely forging new paths for the future.
Naturally, F.P.Journe’s commitment to craftsmanship and expertise finds a natural resonance with a discerning community of watch collectors and, increasingly so, in the Middle East. This relationship is particularly apparent in the UAE where it is cemented through a long-standing and significant partnership with retailer Ahmed Seddiqi.
The relationship between F.P.Journe and Ahmed Seddiqi dates back to 1999, established on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared passion for fine watchmaking. As family businesses deeply involved in their day-to-day operations, both partners share the same core company values and a vision for the future of horology in the region. Ahmed Seddiqi, established in 1950, is renowned as the region’s leading retailer and definitive curator of luxury watches and jewellery in the UAE.
This shared respect for expertise and heritage reached a milestone on October 30, 2019, with the opening of the first F.P. Journe Boutique in Dubai at the prestigious Dubai Mall. This was F.P. Journe’s 10th boutique worldwide and the first in the GCC region, with Ahmed Seddiqi serving as the exclusive partner for the location.
To celebrate the Dubai Boutique’s opening, F.P.Journe released the Dubai Limited Series—a special edition of 99 pieces of the Platinum Chronomètre Souverain with a distinct green dial. The release of the exclusive timepiece underscores the importance of the UAE market to the brand and the deep appreciation for the region’s culture.
For collectors in the Middle East, the partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi represents more than just a retail presence; it is a shared respect for expertise, heritage, and the enduring art of watchmaking, ensuring that this independent vision continues to shape the future of Haute Horology in the region and across the globe.
Forty-seven years after he began his craft, François-Paul Journe remains at the heart of the creation process, embodying the very essence of the “Invenit et Fecit” philosophy. His is a universe that links the golden age of horological science and contemporary watchmaking. The results are chronometers designed as true works of art— and collectors can’t get enough of them.
