Credits: Article and images by Tim Mosso @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/05/04/ludovic-ballouard-upside-down-and-f-p-journe-vagabondage-i-reviewed-by-tim-mosso/
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Finish is what one would expect from a watch made in less than two dozen examples per year. All bridges feature a fresh and uncommon snailed texture rather than Côtes de Genève. The bevels are broad, round, and mirrored.
Each element of Ballouard’s distinctive jumper system is exquisite, and the acrobatic battery of springs, cam, and lever at center are achingly beautiful under the loupe. Ratchet wheel teeth are individually beveled. Then again, you can do that when you make ~20 watches per year.
In the end, selecting between these watches is a matter of personal taste – for both man and machine. Both Ballouard and Journe have shown me immense respect and consideration in the past, so I can’t say anything less than complimentary about my personal experience with either man. But there’s no denying that Ballouard is quieter and more approachable; he’s as warm as his smile and easy to know.
Journe is a towering figure with the swagger of a tycoon and an intimidation factor if you’re meeting him for the first time.
We choose these watches as much because we identify with their creators as any rational reason. The quiet and low-key Ballouard is more like me, and I see more of myself in him. I admire his low-volume dedication, his upbeat view of our short time on Earth, and the energy of his mechanized ballet. His watch would be my choice from among these two.
For more information, please visit www.fpjourne.com/en/event/events/vagabondage-i-gold-final-chapter-trilogy-started-18-years-ago and/or https://ballouard.com/upside-down/
Quick facts: Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down
Case: Platinum; 41mm diameter; 10.5mm thick; 47.5mm from lug-to-lug; 30-meters WR; 20mm between lug horns; push down crown
Clasp: Platinum pin buckle
Dial: Petrol Blue
Movement: Caliber B01, Peseux 7001 train geometry, manual wind with 36-hour power reserve; 3Hz, 51 jewels, Maltese crosses with snail cam jumper, 35mm in diameter
Functions: Rotating hours, minutes, seconds
2024 Retail Price: Approximately $100,000
2024 Pre Owned Price: $95,000-$100,000
Quick facts: F.P. Journe Vagabondage I Rose Gold
Reference Code: V
Edition number: 68 pieces
Case: 6N Red gold; 37.5mm diameter; 7.9mm thick; 45.2mm from lug-to-lug; 30-meters WR; 18.5mm between lug horns; push down crown
Clasp: Rose gold single folding clasp
Dial: Rose gold surround with polished steel plates; time scale encircling visible balance
Movement: Caliber 1504.2, manual wind with 50-hour power reserve; wandering hours, 18-karat rose gold bridges and plates, twin barrels in parallel, 3Hz, 21 jewels, five-position adjustment, 29.3mm x 28.2mm
Functions: Wandering hours with minutes
2024 Pre Owned Price: $280,000-$290,000
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Credits: Article and images by Tim Mosso @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/05/04/ludovic-ballouard-upside-down-and-f-p-journe-vagabondage-i-reviewed-by-tim-mosso/