In this fascinating interview, Tim Mosso from WatchBox Studios sits down with Pierre Halimi, President of F.P. Journe North America, to delve into the inner workings of F.P. Journe as a watchmaker. They discuss various topics including the current state of F.P. Journe’s production, the skills and background of François Paul Journe, and the company’s values and vision. Pierre emphasizes the importance of integrity and aligning with François Paul’s ambition to create the best watches ever, rather than focusing solely on profit. He also highlights the company’s dedication to precision and thinness, as well as their commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking with avant-garde designs.
In this captivating interview between Pierre Halimi, President of F.P. Journe North America, and Tim Mosso from WatchBox Studios, viewers are treated to an in-depth exploration of F.P. Journe’s craftsmanship and philosophy. Pierre discusses his long-standing relationship with François Paul Journe, their shared passion for creating exceptional watches, and his involvement with the AHCI and the independent watchmaking community. The interview sheds light on F.P. Journe’s dedication to producing enduring and durable timepieces, with François Paul’s ultimate goal being to make a mechanical watch as accurate as quartz.
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Interview with Pierre Halimi, President of F.P. Journe North America, by Tim Mosso from WatchBox Studios
In a recent interview conducted by Tim Mosso from WatchBox Studios, Pierre Halimi, the President of F.P. Journe North America, delved into the inner workings of the renowned watchmaking brand. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the current state of F.P. Journe’s production, the background and skills of François Paul Journe as a watchmaker, and various other aspects related to the brand’s philosophy and vision.
Pierre Halimi’s Background and Involvement with F.P. Journe
Before delving into the nitty-gritty details of F.P. Journe, Pierre shared some insights on his long-standing relationship with François Paul Journe. Their affiliation dates back to their first encounter in 1987, during Pierre’s visit to the Basel fair as a retailer in Palm Beach. Pierre’s fascination with watchmakers and the watch industry led him to explore the fringes of the industry, where he came across the AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants) and the independent watchmaking community. Through his involvement with the AHCI, Pierre met François Paul Journe and other passionate watchmakers who were driven by a shared desire to create the best watches possible, free from the constraints of profit-driven production.
François Paul’s Vision and Goals for F.P. Journe
One of the key aspects of F.P. Journe that Pierre discussed during the interview was François Paul’s vision for the brand. According to Pierre, François Paul’s ultimate goal is not to make money, but rather to make the best watches ever. This philosophy sets F.P. Journe apart from other watch brands, as their primary focus is on creating exceptional timepieces rather than maximizing profits. To maintain the highest level of quality, F.P. Journe sets a production limit of around 900 watches per year, as determined by the number of man-hours required for assembly. François Paul also aims to achieve mechanical watch accuracy that rivals that of quartz, highlighting his commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.
Integrity and Innovation in F.P. Journe
Integrity and innovation are two crucial values upheld by F.P. Journe. Pierre emphasized the importance of aligning with François Paul’s vision and maintaining the brand’s integrity. F.P. Journe respects tradition while also embracing avant-garde designs, striking a delicate balance between heritage and innovation. The brand places a strong emphasis on precision and thinness in their watches, further illustrating their commitment to craftsmanship and technical excellence.
Personal Relationships and Passion for the Brand
During the interview, Pierre shed light on the deep personal connections within F.P. Journe. He highlighted the strong bond between himself, François Paul, and Danny Goldberg, emphasizing their shared passion and enthusiasm for the brand. This close-knit relationship is a driving force behind the brand’s success, as it fosters collaboration and the pursuit of excellence.
Conversation Highlights
The interview also touched upon a conversation between Pierre and an individual named John. Pierre extended an invitation to John to meet in Chile, displaying his genuine desire to connect and build relationships. Pierre mentioned the urgency of catching a plane due to his girlfriend’s birthday, highlighting the personal aspect of his life. He mentioned that he had to translate the conversation, indicating that there was no language barrier between him and John. Pierre expressed admiration for John’s passion for his business, implying that he can relate to having a passionate and involved boss. The conversation concluded with Pierre expressing his gratitude and thanking John for the interview, showcasing his appreciation for the opportunity.
In conclusion, the interview with Pierre Halimi provided valuable insights into F.P. Journe’s inner workings, François Paul Journe’s vision for the brand, and the personal relationships that drive its success. Through their commitment to integrity, innovation, and passion, F.P. Journe continues to establish itself as a leader in the world of luxury watchmaking.