A Pilgrimage: An Exclusive Tour Of The F.P.Journe Manufactures in Geneva

For this watch lover and writer from Silicon Valley, California, the chance to visit the workshops of renowned independent watchmaker François-Paul Journe was a horological dream fulfilled. Across three dedicated manufactures—one each for movements, dials, and cases—that is where nothing short of magic happens. While his main facility resides in central Geneva, the dial and case factories lie in the suburb of Meyrin. Having just moved into the new location in June 2023, the brand-new Meyrin site housing dial and case construction proved an particularly enlightening experience.

While touring the facilities, I crossed paths with many Montres Journe craftspeople, from watchmakers to dial and case artisans. It become clear how F.P.Journe timepieces have been so coveted—each piece passes through countless skilled hands, honing mastery through years at their craft.
 

We passed by François-Paul’s personal office, situated alongside the watchmakers in the main manufacture. His workspace contains a well-equipped bench signaling recent use—he clearly remains a watchmaker at heart, in fact prototyping all new movements himself. François-Paul favors proximity with the team assembling his creations.
 

He is also is the sole designer at the company. His creative process typically begins with the dial, followed by the movement and case. The direct ownership of manufacturing facilities has empowered François-Paul to pursue and bring his vision for both product and aesthetics to fruition—a truly remarkable feat.

As early as 1999, Journe foresaw a supply-side shortage of high-end dials. Seizing an opportunity presented by available dial artisans, he co-founded a new dial maker, the Cadraniers de Genève (CDG). Today, under full Journe ownership, CDG stands as a key supplier of high-end dials, catering not only to F.P.Journe but also to other prestigious brands and independent watchmakers.
 

The CDG facility spans dial design to production with 30+ artisans specializing in over 20 disciplines—from pad printing to enamel mastery. We first passed the Technical Office and Developments were we witnessed dial experts using large-display computers to bring unique designs to life.
 

The Mechanics department introduced us to two entirely new procedures: checking the flatness of raw dials by subjecting them to stringent requirements, and recognizing that each raw dial requires a well-designed support base to endure the testing. Absolute flatness is imperative to accommodate subsequent additions of components and to maintain a perfect appearance.
 

In the Appliqué department, we observed the crafting of appliqués for the Divine model. These appliqués encompass the numerals 1 to 12 in various sizes, the frame for the date window, the moon phase frame, and the distinctive seconds ring frame. The appliqués underwent a meticulous polishing process to ensure they achieve the highest possible level of visual refinement.
 

Mr. Journe’s strategic thinking also led to the gradual takeover of a French case supplier, now named the Boîtiers de Genève (BDG) and co-located with CDG in Meyrin. This ownership provides the flexibility to explore unconventional materials, including tantalum, while maintaining a relentless focus on manufacturing and design excellence. Unlike CDG, BDG is dedicated exclusively to crafting cases for F.P.Journe.
 

We toured BDG’s specialized workshops dedicated to crafting watch cases, boasting state-of-the-art CNC machines, together with sandblasting and micro-blasting areas, laser-engraving stations, a ceramics workshop, a polishing department, and an assembly room.
 

The creation of a watch case, at a high view, comprises three primary steps: First, precious metals such as gold, titanium, and tantalum are selected; these components undergo CNC machine processes (various milling and drilling techniques to transform them into the desired shapes, automated, but under a human’s watchful eye); and finally a series of polishing and finishing operations to achieve a smooth and lustrous surface. Hand-finishing assumes a crucial role in the overall manufacturing process, encompassing hand polishing, soldering, and a subsequent stage of hand finishing using spinning wheels to attain the ultimate mirror finish.