Francois Paul Journe is the CEO of the eponymous Geneva-based watch company that is the ultimate object of desire for some of the world?s most discerning collectors. For our Luxury Leaders series, he talks to LUX about how F.P.Journe?s watch business has thrived as an independent, focused on scientific precision, in a world dominated by luxury groups.
FP Journe watchmaker’s atelier
LUX: Why have you succeeded where so many others have failed"

Francois Paul Journe: I believe we have to go back in time to explain. Watchmaking schools do not teach to conceive a watch and being a watchmaker is not synonymous with changing a battery. I was lucky enough, after finishing my watchmaking school, to work with my uncle Michel, renowned antique horology restorer in Paris and learn ?on the field? to repair complicated watches, benefit from his experience and discover a world of culture the school does not teach. My uncle was also the curator of the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris, I discovered the most astounding creations by the great French Masters and that obliged me to go further in my research, in order to create watches as beautiful as theirs. But I had to work tirelessly and acquire a real knowledge of the horological history. You do not acquire this kind of experience at school. I became totally passionate and horology became my life. At the time, there were maybe 15 collectors who were interested to buy authentic horology as the quartz was revolutionising the ...