Collectors Gene Radio: Kevin O'Leary & Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte on Collecting FP Journe Watches | Part 1

Released on August 8, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: Collectors Gene Radio
• Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
• Description: Collectors Gene Radio is a deep dive into the nuances of collecting. Hear from collectors and experts from all over the world speak on their passions and hobbies, and ultimately find out whether or not they feel they were born with the "Collectors Gene".

Introduction

In this special episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner welcomes business mogul and TV personality Kevin O'Leary, famously known as "Mr. Wonderful" from Shark Tank, alongside Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte, the head of America's operations for FP Journe. The setting is the iconic FP Journe Boutique in Miami, a hub for watch enthusiasts and collectors.

Defining Collecting vs. Owning

The conversation kicks off with an exploration of the fundamental differences between simply owning an item and truly collecting it. Cameron posits that possession without passion lacks depth, urging guests to delve into the history and intellectual connection behind their collections.

Cameron Ross Steiner (04:19):

"What’s the difference between owning something and really collecting it. And it's easy to have money and go buy something and not really care about the history or have a passion behind it, but to really collect it, to really love something and go deep on it."

Kevin O’Leary’s Collecting Philosophy

Kevin O'Leary shares his perspective on collecting, emphasizing the relationship with the maker and trust established over decades. He distinguishes himself from flippers by stating his commitment to holding onto his pieces permanently.

Kevin O'Leary (07:05):

"My view of what a collector is is someone who forms a relationship with the maker. And it takes a long time to get that established. It’s based on trust."

O'Leary highlights his pride in his FP Journe collection, particularly fascinated by the brand's unique dials that spark conversations and represent his personal style.

Kevin O'Leary (09:29):

"There are no dials on earth like Jordan dials. Journe dials are crazy dials. Journe dials are crazy, crazy dials. They are conversation starters."

FP Journe Insights with Pierre

Brand Philosophy and Production

Pierre delves into FP Journe’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and limited production. He explains the meticulous process behind each watch, ensuring quality over quantity.

Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte (33:22):

"Francois Paul organizes production... It's really artisanal. We are not about volume; we are about creating meaningful, high-quality pieces."

He addresses misconceptions about production caps, clarifying that FP Journe balances their efforts between high-end, complex watches and slightly more accessible models like the Elegant.

Community and Relationships

The community aspect is pivotal for FP Journe. Pierre emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships with collectors, fostering an environment where passion and knowledge about horology thrive.

Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte (14:03):

"We fall miserably because we had 600 square feet... We feed on the collectors and the collectors feed on the other collectors."

Secondary Market and Trust

FP Journe maintains a controlled secondary market to preserve the brand's integrity and discourage flipping. Trust between the brand and its collectors is paramount, ensuring watches remain valued and cherished.

Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte (20:35):

"We have to close because of the interview. But let’s say I’m sitting with Kevin, we have three collectors coming... We have a relationship. It’s very human related."

Notable Models Discussed

Tokyo Chrono

The Tokyo Chrono is spotlighted for its unique dial and limited production, making it a coveted piece among collectors. Despite its unconventional design, it has garnered significant attention and acclaim.

Kevin O'Leary (31:07):

"Tokyo dial is pretty special, spectacular. It’s already a legend with this sweep."

Vertical Tourbillon

O'Leary shares his admiration for the Vertical Tourbillon, a design that challenges conventional time-telling but epitomizes FP Journe’s innovative spirit.

Kevin O'Leary (46:00):

"It’s something else. It changes a little bit your habits... It’s a beautiful piece."

Economy Blue & Elegant

Pierre discusses the Economy Blue and Elegant models, highlighting their accessibility and the brand’s strategic approach to balancing production without compromising quality.

Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte (37:14):

"So there’s no value, in any company with certain volume we’re not talking about or Smith. This is like, you know, really artisanal."

Watch Insurance Innovation

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around watch insurance, spearheaded by O'Leary’s collaboration with 1916 and Danny Gutberg to create Wondercare. This innovative insurance solution allows collectors to insure their watches based on real-time market values and offers tailored policies that cater specifically to the needs of passionate collectors.

Kevin O'Leary (53:13):

"We created a new product. When I was at Watches and Wonders... It’s called Wondercare. Anybody can go to wondercare.com and look at it."

Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte (54:44):

"It’s great. Personalized."

Listener Questions and Fun Insights

Towards the end, Cameron introduces lighter, fun questions from listeners, allowing both O'Leary and Pierre to share personal anecdotes and humorous insights into their collecting journeys.

Listener Question (58:04):

"If it was 1998, 1999, and Francois Paul walks through the shark tank and pitches a subscription, would you have given him the 50% deposit back then?"

O'Leary reflects on the brand’s growth and the pivotal moments that defined his relationship with FP Journe.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2

The episode wraps up with Cameron thanking the guests and hinting at a continuation in Part 2, where they will delve deeper into specific watch models and further aspects of FP Journe’s unique position in the watchmaking world.

Cameron Ross Steiner (61:03):

"Thank you guys again for joining me on the show. Today we're gonna look at some watches. Stay tuned for part two of this video."

Notable Quotes

• Kevin O'Leary (04:19):

  "So how do we defect a collector from a non collector?"

• Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte (06:45):

  "Collecting is always going back to the intellect. Why do I buy this."

• Kevin O'Leary (10:24):

  "They're a controversial brand because Pierre is Mr. No."

• Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte (35:22):

  "Imagine that with the community."

• Kevin O'Leary (44:12):

  "They don’t often understand my answer, but it’s always the same. It’s a community."

Key Takeaways

• Passion Over Possession: True collecting is driven by passion, intellect, and a deep connection to the items, not just ownership.

• Quality and Craftsmanship: FP Journe prioritizes artisanal craftsmanship and limited production to maintain the exclusivity and quality of their watches.

• Community and Relationships: Building genuine relationships within the collector community is essential for both the brand and its patrons.

• Innovative Solutions: The introduction of Wondercare revolutionizes watch insurance, providing tailored solutions for dedicated collectors.

• Unique Models: Watches like the Tokyo Chrono and Vertical Tourbillon embody FP Journe’s innovative spirit, blending art and horology in distinctive ways.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode, where Cameron, Kevin, and Pierre will continue their in-depth exploration of FP Journe's masterpieces and the intricate world of watch collecting.