F.P. Journe (Francois-Paul Journe Invenit et Fecit) is an independent Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1999 by French-born watchmaker Francois-Paul Journe in Geneva, Switzerland. The "Invenit et Fecit" designation, Latin for "invented and made," signifies that the brand designs, develops, and produces its movements entirely in-house.
Francois-Paul Journe began his career as a watchmaker in Paris and gained recognition in the independent watchmaking community for his tourbillon pocket watch, completed in 1983. The brand's first wristwatch, the Tourbillon Souverain, was introduced in 1999 and featured a remontoir d'egalite (constant-force device), a mechanism that delivers consistent energy to the escapement regardless of the mainspring's state of wind.
F.P. Journe watches are distinguished by their use of 18-karat rose gold for movement plates and bridges, a practice that enhances stability and resistance to corrosion. The brand's cases have been produced in platinum and 18-karat gold, with tantalum used for case elements in some early steel-equivalent models. Core models include the Chronometre Bleu (blue dial in tantalum), Chronometre Souverain, Octa collection (automatic movements with multiple functions), Tourbillon Souverain, Resonance (dual-movement resonance chronometer), and the Elegante (quartz women's watch with an intelligent motion-sensing system).
F.P. Journe produces fewer than 1,000 watches per year at its manufacture in Geneva. The brand operates boutiques in select cities, including Geneva, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Miami, and New York. Retail prices generally start at approximately $25,000 for the Elegante and range to over $300,000 for tourbillon and grand complication references. The brand's watches command significant premiums on the secondary market.
MB&F (Maximilian Busser & Friends) is a Swiss independent watchmaking concept laboratory founded in 2005 by Maximilian Busser in Geneva, Switzerland. The brand operates as an artistic and creative collective rather than a traditional watch manufacturer, collaborating with independent watchmakers, engineers, and artisans to produce unconventional timepieces.
Maximilian Busser, who previously served as managing director of Harry Winston's watch division, founded MB&F to create watches that function as three-dimensional mechanical sculptures. The brand's output is divided into two primary lines: the Horological Machines (HM) series, featuring organic and sculptural case designs often inspired by automotive, aeronautical, and science fiction themes, and the Legacy Machines (LM) series, which reinterprets classical watchmaking complications in round cases with prominent balance wheels displayed on the dial side.
Notable creations include the HM4 Thunderbolt (inspired by aviation), the HM6 Space Pirate (featuring a retractable shield over the tourbillon), the HM9 Flow (air-intake-inspired twin balance wheels), and the LM Perpetual (a perpetual calendar designed by Stephen McDonnell). MB&F also produces collaborative objects with L'Epee 1839, including desk clocks in forms such as robots, octopuses, and spacecraft.
All MB&F movements are developed in-house in collaboration with specialist independent watchmakers. The brand produces fewer than 300 watches per year across its various models. MB&F operates the M.A.D.Gallery (Mechanical Art Devices) exhibition spaces in Geneva, Dubai, Taipei, and other cities.
Retail prices typically range from approximately $50,000 to over $500,000, depending on the complexity and materials of each piece. MB&F timepieces are available through the brand's own galleries and a select network of authorized retailers.