The élégante by F.P.Journe
 

The élégante by F.P.Journe

3 min read
Richard Brown

Categories

International Watch Shows

Richard Brown

Categories

International Watch Shows

You know the phrase, go bold or go home, well that certainly sums up the new offerings from F.P. Journe for this fantastic two weeks of watch releases.

The élégante from F.P. Journe is by anyone's definition a technical marvel. The watch's concept dates back to 2014, but after an incredible eight years of research, F.P. Journe developed an innovative electromechanical movement called Calibre 1210.

This movement can stop itself when it senses that the watch is no longer in use, in effect, suspending time, but the reality is that it is constantly monitoring even when inactive. After 35 minutes of immobility, The élégante goes into sleep mode to save energy. As soon as it is worn again, the motion detector, located at 4:30, resets the time by the shortest possible path, anti-clockwise or clockwise, in a matter of moments.

The watch's power capabilities are quite incredible. Its standard operating time is eight to 10 years, and it can last an astonishing 18 years in standby mode.

Two case sizes are available: 40mm or 48mm. Each has become a trademark for the skilled manufacturers residing in Boîtiers de Genève, for F.P. Journe. Initially, the watch was made in titanium due to its lightness and resistance. This metal was subjected to an electoral plasma oxidation process to provide an even more unique finish. Subsequently, new models have been made in gold and platinum and decorated with precious stones.

Almost every year since its inception, we have seen a new élégante model as the design continues to evolve and become more elaborate. As we now hit the 10th anniversary of this highly famous watch, the question was what F.P. Journe would release in April 2024.

For the much anticipated 10th anniversary of the élégante, François-Paul Journe has chosen to pay tribute to his friend Serge Cukrowicz (known as Gino) co-founder of Montres Journe SA, and introduce a watch called the “Gino’s Dream”.  In the world of elaborate watchmaking, specific names resonate, such as Serge Cukrowicz. Gino, the son of a diamond dealer, developed a fascination for watchmaking and co-founded the Ginotti Jewelers boutique. He favoured bright colours and out-of-the-ordinary personal outfits. The new 2024 élégante is a homage to this most extraordinary man and his friendship with F.P. Journe.

Technical Characteristics of the F.P. Journe élégante Gino's Dream

  • Movement: Calibre 1210 Electromechanical. Patented twin-rotor motor. Dedicated processor with specific functions and low power consumption. Quartz frequency: 32'768 Hz. Dimensions: 28.5 x 28.3 mm. Built-in dimensions: 27.9 x 27.7 mm. Overall thickness: 3.13 mm.
  • Complications: Stand by (night mode) after 35 minutes of inactivity. Wake-up and time-setting when worn again. Motion-sensing weight is visible on the side of the dial. 2-position time adjustment. Stop-seconds at time-setting (crown pulled)
  • Power use: 8 to 10 years of normal operation. In standby mode: 18 years.
  • Dial: Hours and minutes in the middle. Small seconds. Fully illuminated inner quadrant - white or black. Outer dial with 4P rose gold and steel and decorated battery. Côtes de Genève Polished screw heads bevelled turning and groove polished fixing pins.
  • Gino’s Dream special additions: 52 baguette-cut stones in glass-ceramic in rainbow. Transparent sapphire case back.
  • Water-resistance to 30 metres
  • The crown is available in 13 colours with a folding clasp.
  • Available in white, light pink, yellow, orange, red, burgundy, midnight blue, royal blue, khaki green, turquoise, grey, anthracite or black.

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Richard Brown

About the Author: Richard Brown

I truly believe one of the best partners in exploration and adventure is a fine watch. Over 30 years of collecting, my fascination with the technical capabilities of both vintage and modern timepieces has never abated and it is a privilege to be able to share this passion through writing.

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