There has been a lot of speculation about whether Chanel owns F.P. Journe, the Swiss luxury watch brand. While there is no clear answer, we can explore the various pieces of evidence and rumors to get a better understanding of the situation.
What is F. Journe?
F. Journe is a high-end watch brand that was founded by François-Paul Journe in 1999. The company is known for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, which have earned it a loyal following among collectors and enthusiasts.
The Connection with Chanel
The connection between F. Journe and Chanel dates back to 2016 when Chanel acquired a minority stake in the brand.
At the time, it was reported that Chanel had purchased a 20% stake in F. Journe, although this was never officially confirmed by either company.
Since then, rumors have swirled about whether Chanel has increased its stake in F. Journe or even acquired the brand outright. However, neither company has made any official statements or announcements on the matter.
The Evidence
Despite the lack of official confirmation, there are several pieces of evidence that suggest a closer relationship between F. Journe and Chanel.
Firstly, François-Paul Journe himself has acknowledged that he has worked closely with Chanel’s creative director Karl Lagerfeld on several occasions. In an interview with Revolution Watch in 2016, Journe said: “I have had very good relations with Karl Lagerfeld for years now and he really likes my watches.”
Secondly, there have been reports that some components used in F. Journe watches are sourced from Chanel’s manufacturing facilities.
For example, it is rumored that some of the dials used in F. Journe watches are made by Chanel’s subsidiary, G&F Châtelain.
Finally, there have been several instances where F. Journe and Chanel have collaborated on special edition watches.
For example, in 2017, F. Journe released a limited edition version of its Chronomètre Bleu watch that was designed in collaboration with Chanel.
The Conclusion
While there is no clear answer to the question of whether Chanel owns F. Journe, the evidence suggests that there is at least a close relationship between the two brands.
Whether this relationship will continue to develop in the future remains to be seen, but for now, collectors and enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship of F. Journe watches.