Obscenely Rare! The F.P. Journe Vagabondage II

The mysterious Vagabondage II really stands apart in F.P. Journe’s line of watches. Extremely rare, it has never been advertised and doesn’t even feature the brand’s name on the dial. It also doesn’t look like a typical F.P. Journe, although trained eyes will recognize a few unmistakable stylistic cues.

To understand this singular model, it is important to look back at the story of this watch series. In 1995, François-Paul Journe began working on a wandering hour complication following a bespoke order from one of his clients, a watch known as the Carpe Diem. He later pursued the development for a large brand, widely believed to be Cartier, but the prototype never made it into production.

F.P. Journe eventually auctioned three tonneau-shaped watches based on this prototype with Antiquorum. Following the sale, demand from collectors proved so strong that Journe created a first series of 69 pieces: the Vagabondage I.

If the Vagabondage I was already technically impressive, its successor is a true technical tour de force. Released six years later, it integrated a completely new movement, featuring multiple complications and demonstrating how far the brand has come. Reserved for the brand’s most important clients, this second Vagabondage was produced in just 69 pieces in platinum, 68 pieces in rose gold and 10 platinum examples set with baguette diamonds.

The rose gold version presented here is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Vagabondage series. Its flat tonneau-shaped case measures 45 × 37 mm and features polished bevels along its flanks. At 8 mm thick, it remains remarkably elegant, with a black alligator strap sitting close to the base of the case, creating an almost integrated look.

The dial indications are laid out vertically, and feature a power-reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, digital jumping hours and minutes, and a small seconds display. Although F.P. Journe’s name does not appear on the dial, the distinctive shape of the hands, the screwed steel bridge and the knurled crown leave no doubt as to the watch’s provenance.

One of the defining characteristics of this watch is the ability to admire the movement from both sides of the case. Attention to detail is exceptional, with numerous refined elements such as the rose gold apertures and perlage visible through the black-tinted sapphire crystal. This design optimises legibility and allows the owner to witness all three discs jumping simultaneously in a fraction of a second, a truly magical experience.

Turning the watch over reveals the manually wound calibre 1509, crafted in 18-carat rose gold. Managing energy is a significant challenge in a movement driving three jumping discs. The calibre delivers a power reserve of 28 hours while incorporating the patented remontoir d’égalité, designed to provide a constant flow of energy and to optimise chronometric performance. The finishing is equally impressive, featuring gold bridges adorned with linear Côtes de Genève.

This piece sits at the very top of a niche within one of the most exclusive and sought-after brands in watchmaking. The term “grail watch” may be overused, but in the case of the Vagabondage II, it feels entirely justified. Unusual and full of wrist presence without ever being ostentatious, it is a true “if you know, you know” timepiece, whose unconventional shape and mechanical exclusivity only add to its appeal.