Released in 2010, the Vagabondage II was F.P. Journe’s second timepiece featuring a tortue-shaped case. While the story of the Vagabondage is certainly an interesting one involving the request from a loyal client, to commissioning for a reputable Parisian House of Luxury, as well as to creating one off pieces for a charity auction, the very first limited edition series was released in 2006 via the Vagabondage I.

The Vagabondage II is an interesting and innovative timepiece featuring jumping hours and minutes via rotating discs indicated through apertures that are perfectly aligned in the center of the dial along with its small seconds. Interestingly and quite unusually no brand name is mentioned on the dial but a cavalcade of details display the brand’s unmistakable genetic codes. The watch houses the in-house caliber 1509 in pink gold, fitting perfectly into the case, beautifully finished, and features a constant force device that ensures that the energy from the mainspring is equally distributed with no loss each time the discs jump.

Released with a limited edition in 68 pieces in pink gold and 69 pieces in platinum, the Vagabondage II is certainly a rare and unorthodox timepiece. Cherished by its original owner, the present platinum Vagabondage II retains its impeccable original case proportions and finishing throughout the timepiece. Sold in 2011 at the F. P Journe Hong Kong Boutique, the case numbered engraved on the back reveals the icing on the cake for this piece. Numbered 3 out of 69 pieces, this is the earliest piece from the production batch to appear on the market. Tortue-shaped timepieces from Monsieur Journe are a rarity within his creations, making this example a highly collectible piece from the independent master watchmaker of our times.