The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The F.P. Journe Vagabondage III displays seconds as changing numerals: the seconds indication jumps forward once each second rather than sweeping around a dial. A patented one-second constant-force mechanism, or remontoir d’égalité, supplies energy to that jump. The result is the final watch in the Vagabondage trilogy, combining digital hours and seconds with an analog central minutes hand inside a flat Tortue case.
How the jumping seconds mechanism works
The seconds appear in a digital window at six o’clock and change once per second. They are not shown by a conventional seconds hand. F.P. Journe’s technical specification identifies a patented “1 second constant force device,” patent EP 1528443. In the brand’s explanation, a remontoir d’égalité releases energy to advance the time train each second.
This matters because an abrupt jump demands energy at a particular instant. The remontoir meters that energy to the display, helping limit the jump’s effect on the movement’s rate. Su Jia Xian of SJX Watches described the Vagabondage III as “the first ever digital jumping seconds”; that is the journalist’s characterization, rather than a claim of independently audited priority. [source]
The movement is calibre 1514, manually wound and beating at 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour, according to F.P. Journe’s 2017 technical release. The brand’s Journal 17 reports 249 parts and 40 hours of autonomy from a single barrel. Those figures describe the manufacturer’s stated specifications, not independent test results.
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- The watch machine adopts stainless steel spring, single metal light balance wheel, nickel base alloy hairspring and kelleg vertical mechanism.
- One button function, starts, stops and returns to zero by consecutive crown depressions.Durable, dust, water, shock and corrosion resistant.
- Useful for rest in exercise; Metronome funcion, Grasp all the rhythms in the sports, useful for Fitness gymnastics.
- The movement is equipped with 13 gems ,The watch machine can be used at -10°C~+40°C
- Durable, dust, water, shock. Resolution ratio(1/10s), Size about 50 x 68 x 16mm.
What the dial displays
The watch pairs numeral windows with conventional hands. Its smoked sapphire inner dial reveals the 18K rose-gold movement, while a screwed outer appliqué dial frames the indications. The dial is unsigned.
- Hours: digital numerals in a white-framed window at ten o’clock.
- Seconds: digital numerals in a white-framed window at six o’clock, jumping once per second.
- Minutes: a white central hand.
- Power reserve: a blued-steel hand at one o’clock.
The digital seconds cover the full minute. SJX contrasts this with the Harry Winston Opus 3, whose digital seconds indication showed only the final four seconds of each minute.
Rank #2
- Pause & Reset Function: Equipped with a pause mechanism, this stopwatch allows you to temporarily halt timing without losing track, and easily reset for the next session. Measuring range extends up to 30 minutes, accommodating a variety of events.
- Large Dial Display: The clear, easy-to-read dial allows users to track time quickly and accurately. The bold markings and smooth sweep hand make it simple to measure each lap and overall duration.
- Stable Stainless Steel Construction: Crafted with sturdy stainless steel, the stopwatch is resistant to wear and corrosion, making it suitable for frequent use in sports fields, laboratories, or training environments.
- Precision Timing: This stainless steel mechanical stopwatch is highly accurate analog measurement, perfect for timing activities down to 0.2 seconds per lap. Ideal for sports, training, and experiments.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for runners, athletes, coaches, educators, and experimenters. Whether timing laps, experiments, or workout sessions, this handheld timer provides reliable performance for professional and personal applications.
Where it sits in the Vagabondage trilogy
F.P. Journe calls the III the “third and last edition” of the series. The line began with three flat Tortue watches designed for an Antiquorum anniversary in 2004; those original pieces were sold at a charity auction benefiting the ICM research institute. The III retains the distinctive flat case and unsigned digital-display concept while making seconds the jumping indication.
| Edition | Digital indication | Other time display |
|---|---|---|
| Vagabondage I | Hours | The official press release identifies digital hours; it does not specify the other indications in the cited description. |
| Vagabondage II | Jumping hours and minutes | Conventional seconds. |
| Vagabondage III | Hours and jumping seconds | Central minutes hand and power-reserve indicator. |
Case dimensions and materials
The case is a flat Tortue shape. Su Jia Xian’s 2017 SJX Watches article gives dimensions of 37.6 mm wide, 45.2 mm long and 7.84 mm thick. The 1916 Company Studios lists 37.6 mm width, 45.2 mm lug-to-lug and 8.1 mm thickness for a reviewed rose-gold example with a unique outer dial. The small thickness difference and differing length labels may reflect rounding or measurement conventions. Sotheby’s gives 37.5 × 45 mm including lugs for a specific platinum auction lot.
Rank #3
- 【Digital Watch with Ultra-clear & Enlarged Display】Using the imported EL backlit screen and enlarged digital numerals, perfect for quick time checks during intense workouts or outdoor activities. The mens digital watch offers 12/24H, Dual Time, Stopwatch, Countdown, and Split Timing functions—ideal for Referees, Swimming, Running and Training needing precise timing during games.
- 【Ultra-protective Watches for Men】Features a durable high-quality ABS case and PU strap, offers enhanced shock-resistant and scratch-resistant, high-transparent resin mirror with high hardness and super pressure resistance, beautiful appearance and light weight make it a practical companion for outdoor sports.
- 【5ATM Waterproof Watch】164Ft / 50M waterproof, this men's digital waterproof watch is sweatproof, rainproof, suitable for swimming in shallow water and cold showering. Note: Avoid exposure to hot water or steam for long-term reliability.
- 【Multi-function Alarm Watch】It has alarm function (daily alarm, hourly chime, custom-date alarm). The alarm time is 10 seconds and has a snooze function,after it is turned on, the alarm sounds once every 5 minutes and repeats 7 times—ensuring you never miss important events.
- 【What You Get and Service Support】BEEASY Digital Sports Watch, and friendly customer service. BEEASY is committed to providing customers with better products and better customer service. If you have any questions or needs, please contact our customer service.
These are published dimensions, not measurements of a watch handled for this article. The 1916 Company Studios page identifies Tim Mosso as its reviewer; that review does not establish personal handling or wearing experience by the author here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Production and launch-era pricing
F.P. Journe announced a total of 137 Vagabondage III watches in January 2017: 69 in platinum and 68 in 18K 6N gold. Owners of Vagabondage I and II were given priority to acquire a matching serial number, according to the manufacturer’s press release.
Rank #4
- SUPER EASY TO READ: white dial with 12 & 24 hour markers and Luminous Face. Japanese quartz movement with highly visible red second hand. Case diameter:38 mm.
- SPECIAL DESIGN FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: 3-Hand Quartz Movement with Highly Visible Red Second Hand Makes Taking Accurate Pulse Reading Easily, designed for nurses,doctors,teacher,workers and students.
- DURABILITY & COMFORT: Easy to Clean, High Quality and Super Soft 100% Silicone Band and Water Resistant Up To 30M(99ft).
- MULTIPLE COLOR OPTIONS: Available in a Variety of Matching Silicone Band Colors - Black, White, Blue, Grey, Red,Red, and Pink.
- PURCHASE WITHOUT WORRY: If you have any dissatisfaction, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to make it right.
F.P. Journe Journal 17 lists introduction prices of SFr 56,000 for platinum and SFr 54,000 for red gold, with availability from the first quarter of 2017. These are historical launch prices, not current retail prices or valuations. Current asking prices, realized auction prices and availability are not established by the cited sources. Sotheby’s also cautioned that the accuracy and reserve duration of its listed example had not been tested.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stylish Classic Dial Design: This analog watch features a refined dial with full Arabic numerals, delivering a elegant fashion look. The leather strap is soft, durable, and comfortable for daily wear. A clean date window calendar display adds everyday practicality. This wrist watch suits men's wrist watches and women's wrist watches, ideal for business, casual wear, or classic gift occasions.
- Mechanical Hand-Wound Movement: Powered by a classic manual mechanical movement, this wrist watch operates without batteries. Mechanical watches have limited power reserve, so daily or pre-use winding is essential to reduce time deviation and prevent stopping. If not properly wound, the watch may stop easily. Regular winding ensures stable performance and accuracy.
- Care Instructions for Long-Lasting Use: Please remove all protective films before wearing. Handle the watch gently and avoid vigorous activities. Keep away from strong magnetic fields, electronics, and sudden impacts. Avoid sauna use and environments with drastic temperature changes, as moisture may enter the case, leading to movement rust or damage over time.
- Daily Waterproof: This analog watch is daily waterproof, suitable for light splashes, rain, or accidental water drops. Not suitable for showering, swimming, or diving. Prolonged water exposure or use in extreme hot or cold environments may shorten the lifespan of the mechanical movement and affect accuracy.
- Ideal Gift for Any Occasion & Anyone: With its elegant retro style, this wrist watch suits any occasion and outfit. A thoughtful choice for gifts for men, gifts for women, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, wedding gifts, or retirement gifts. Perfect as a gift for dad, mom, husband, boyfriend, sister, or yourself.
Sources
- F.P. Journe, Vagabondage III technical press release
- F.P. Journe, 2017 Vagabondage III announcement
- F.P. Journe Journal 17
- Su Jia Xian, SJX Watches, 17 January 2017
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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