Collectors Gene Radio: Kevin O'Leary & Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte – Collecting F.P. Journe | Part 2

Date: August 15, 2025
Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Guests: Kevin O'Leary (Mr. Wonderful), Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte (Head of Americas, F.P. Journe)
Location: FP Journe Boutique, Miami

Overview

In this special episode, host Cameron Ross Steiner sits down with renowned investor and collector Kevin O’Leary (“Mr. Wonderful”) and Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte, Head of Americas for F.P. Journe, at the Miami FP Journe boutique. Together, they explore the intricacies and emotional connections of collecting F.P. Journe timepieces, the backstories of rare watches, and what it means to possess the elusive “collector’s gene”. The episode is rich with personal stories, deep horological insight, and palpable passion for craft and community.

Key Discussion Points

Kevin O’Leary’s Philosophy of Collecting (00:15–03:50)

• Focus on Artistry Over Mechanics:
  • Kevin stresses his priorities are dial uniqueness, beauty, and conversation-starting potential rather than the technical aspects of a watch’s movement.
    • “I don't give a shit about [technics]. What I care about is, is the dial unique? Is it a beautiful piece? Does it start a conversation? And these watches do all of that and more.” — Kevin O’Leary (00:15)
• Emotional Connection:
  • His collection centers on personal resonance rather than investment value.

The Importance of the Dial and Uniqueness (02:43–03:50)

• Diversity Within Cohesion:
  • Kevin highlights how different but related FP Journe dials feel—“from the same family.”
  • Example: Chanel “Boyfriend” piece with a unique hand-painted enamel dial, made through the Journe dial factory.

Chronometry Versus Conversation (03:51–05:55)

• Pierre’s Perspective:
  • For Pierre, the “essence” of Journe is chronometry—the pursuit of precision referencing historical giants like Breguet and Daniels.
    • “If you're not really ticked by chronometry, maybe you shouldn't buy Journe because that's what it's about. Especially on the Chronomètre Souverain, Optimum, and Resonance. The trilogy.” — Pierre (03:51)
• Kevin’s Response:
  • Though aware of the watchmaking technology, Kevin values the artistic impact more.
• Making Horology Accessible:
  • The host and Kevin discuss how pieces like the Élégante (quartz watch) often serve as a gateway for non-watch people.

The F.P. Journe Society—Entry and Relationships (06:06–08:39)

• Kevin’s Society Entry Story:
  • Relays the tale of becoming a member: needing to own multiple watches, building a relationship, and a memorable negotiation involving his son’s alma mater, Babson.
    • “You could buy 20 now. Doesn't make a difference. You cannot qualify. You don't have the history. So we bargaining and bargaining. And one time he said, you're going to send me this watch because of your son...” — Pierre (07:20)

Motivations Beyond Money (11:24–11:54)

• Collecting for Passion, Not Profit:
  • Kevin shrugs off the notion that collecting is solely financial.
    • “I have no idea what I paid for these pieces. And it doesn’t mean I don’t care. It’s just that’s not why I bought them.” — Kevin O’Leary (11:24)
  • Says he will “never sell,” focusing on enjoyment and uniqueness.

Rarity, Relationships & The Marketplace (09:30–12:30)

• FP Journe’s Approach to Allocations:
  • Pierre explains the brand’s refusal to make customers “bundle” purchases to access rare pieces; allocations hinge on genuine, long-term relationships.
• The Black Label Club:
  • Obtaining ultra-rare models requires being a known supporter of the boutique.

Celebrating Key Pieces in Kevin’s Collection (13:36–15:14)

• The Vertical Tourbillon and Tokyo Series:
  • Kevin shares stories about public reactions to bold watches like the vertical tourbillon (“conversation starter”), and the rarity and design of his favorite “Tokyo” models.
    • “I think it has to be the Tokyo. I don’t even hesitate.” — Kevin O’Leary (13:54)
    • On public reaction: “A woman comes up to me and says, What is that monstrosity on your wrist? ... I said, what it is, is a conversation starter.” — Kevin O’Leary (13:23)

Pierre’s Personal Brass Collection & Rare Journe Watches (16:21–23:37)

• The “Brass Collection”:
  • Eight watches belonging to his family, all brass movement, and all bear the number 100 (with only one other complete set known to exist).
  • “Took me 22 years to do this.” — Pierre (17:21)
• Vagabondage I:
  • Story of the unusual, imprecise, but innovative “Vagabondage” models, the stealth narrative around their creation, and the refusal to market them conventionally.
  • “This is the true Journe in a sense that if it’s not precise, it’s not Journe. So don’t buy it.” — Pierre (19:30)
• The T30—The Anniversary Watch:
  • Created for FP Journe’s personal 30-year anniversary of making watches.
  • Limited, underpriced intentionally as a “gift” to early collectors.
  • “Sometimes you talk from your heart, sometimes you talk from your wallet. This is a heart watch. This is the first application watch. Because without collectors...we would not be here.” — Pierre (20:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Collecting for Connection:
  • “They're all like my children... Does it start a conversation? And these watches do all of that and more.” — Kevin O’Leary (02:07)
• On FP Journe’s Approach to Collectors:
  • “The only reason why sometimes we need to know the history...you need to be a known entity and supporting the boutique for quite a while before you can even have one.” — Pierre (09:30)
• On Emotion in Watch Collecting:
  • “There’s an emotion in each of these watches. If I selected this eight and to give it to my kids...Let’s try to keep that set intact for another generation after that.” — Pierre (23:00)
• On Watch Community & Clubs:
  • “There’s such an interest now in the renaissance of mechanical watches in terms of collecting.” — Kevin O’Leary (24:27)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:15 — Kevin’s approach: artistry > technology
• 03:51 — Pierre on the chronometric DNA of Journe
• 06:06 — Kevin’s FP Journe Society story (“Babson” negotiation)
• 11:24 — Kevin on collecting for passion, not money
• 13:23 — Kevin’s conversation-starter anecdote with the vertical tourbillon
• 16:21 — Pierre presents his “brass collection” and its legacy
• 19:30 — The creation and scarcity of the Vagabondage line
• 20:40 — The T30 anniversary watch & gift to collectors
• 23:00–23:37 — Legacy outlook, family, emotional attachments

Summary

This episode provides a rare, inside look into the emotion, community, and artistry of F.P. Journe collecting through the voices of a passionate collector (Kevin O’Leary) and an industry insider (Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte). Both demystify the world of rare watches—emphasizing passion, stories, and relationships over cold investment, while paying respect to the technical achievement at the brand's core. The dialogue blends personal anecdotes, industry wisdom, and tangible enthusiasm for horological artistry, making it a must-listen (or -read) for both seasoned collectors and the newly curious.