Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2010 Case No: No. 44/69-VII Model Name: Vagabondage II Material: Platinum, 18k gold movement Calibre: Manual, 1509 Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Folding white gold and platinum deployment clasp Dimensions: 38mm. Width Signed:Movement and case signed, case further numbered 44/69 Accessories: Certificate of authenticity dated 22nd October 2010, polish cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Following the success of the Vagabondage I series with the wandering hour dial, Journe developed another slim sized Tortue case, this time with an open work dial aswell as digital display and jump hour. Once again, like the Vagabondage I, 69 pieces were released in platinum and a further 68 in rose gold. An unusual feature of this model is the 'smokey coloured' crystal, where the rose gold mechanism is still visible for appreciation, but it is perhaps less distracting to the user.
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.