F.P. Journe

The Vagabondage series of tortue wristwatches is certainly a departure from what can usually be expected from the now famed independent watchmaker, F.P. Journe. Aside from the atypical shape which can only be seen on either the Vagabondage or Elegante series of quartz watches, this 3 part series of watches all feature the whimsical and highly technical jumping complication, with each installment utilizing the complication in a different way, with the present watch representing the most classic version, jumping hours and minutes.

The history of the Vagabondage originates far beyond the actual creation of the timepiece. In 1995, even before the establishment of the F.P. Journe brand, Francoise Paul Journe was approached by a client who requested a wandering hours wristwatch. Interested and indeed intrigued, Journe partnered with a major watch brand to realize this project, though the brand ultimately rejected the idea after the prototype phase. It was not until just prior to 2004 when the idea was once again presented to Journe, who agreed to use the previous prototype to produce a series of wristwatches. Thus, the hugely successful Vagabondage line of wristwatches came to be. 

Introduced in 2010, the present wristwatch was part of the second execution of the Vagabondage. The watch improved on the first series by adding jumping minutes to the original jumping hours complication, resulting in a truly digital time display that is very rare in the world of haute horology. Limited to 69 pieces in platinum, this Vagabondage II wristwatch not only features a rare and interesting complication, but also stands as a truly remarkable and unusual reference produced by one of the hottest independents of the current generation.