F. P. Journe

The year 2004 marked the 30th anniversary of Antiquorum, a milestone celebrated with a special charity auction in support of the Research Institute for Brain and Spinal Cord Diseases in Paris. For this occasion, François‑Paul Journe was commissioned to create a unique timepiece, the proceeds of which were to benefit the Geneva-based charitable event.

Journe responded with an extraordinary creation, distinct in both form and philosophy. Departing from the brand’s established codes, the watch featured a tonneau-shaped case, a rarity within Journe’s oeuvre, and notably omitted the customary F.P. Journe signature on the dial. This singular piece laid the conceptual foundation for what would later become one of the maison’s most unconventional and admired series: the Vagabondage.

Building on the success of this inaugural creation, the Vagabondage II was introduced between 2010 and 2011. Production included a limited series of just 69 examples in platinum, alongside a number of special commissions delivered between 2011 and 2018.

The second iteration is powered by the calibre 1509, a mechanical movement featuring a digital time display. The jumping hours are presented through an aperture at 12 o’clock, while the minutes are displayed via twin apertures positioned above a constant seconds subdial. Beyond its technical ingenuity, the model captivates through its visual dynamism: the rotating discs that indicate the time are partially visible beneath the crystal, offering a mesmerizing display in motion. The instantaneous jump of the hours, in particular, provides a compelling spectacle, transforming the passage of time into a mechanical performance.

The Vagabondage II serves as the bridge between the measured concept of the first edition and the more liberated, avant-garde expression of the third. In this sense, it embodies a harmonious synthesis, an exploration of form and function that reveals the designer’s iterative process. Much like a middle chapter, it reconciles innovation with refinement, demonstrating how bold horological ideas can be expressed with technical elegance.

The present example is offered in overall very good condition, having been carefully worn by its original celebrity owner. It is accompanied by its presentation box and certificate of authenticity.