F.P. Journe’s Gun Barrel Watch

Out of all F.P. Journe’s creations, the one that truly captured my attention is the limited edition collaboration with Holland & Holland. Unveiled in 2017, this timepiece bridges the gap between haute horology and the world of English gunmaking.

What truly sets this watch apart is its dial. Crafted from Damascus steel meticulously sourced from two antique Holland & Holland shotguns, each boasting over a century of history. This unique material results in a captivating, patterned surface on every dial. And no two dials are the same - how cool is that?!

With only 66 pieces ever produced, these watches hold a special place in the collector’s world. There are two variations, with 38 dials originating from a shotgun barrel numbered 1382 (dating back to 1868) and the remaining 28 from barrel number 7183 (1882). The watches initially retailed for around $46k but would fetch way more than that on the grey market. Journe is revered as one of this generation’s greats, and for me, this was for sure one for the books.