Regarded as one of the most exciting names in horology today, it’s astonishing to think that F.P. Journe has only been around for such a relatively short time. Founded in 1999, F.P. Journe made a splash in the watchmaking world with a limited run of 20 Tourbillon Souverain Souscription watches, which the financially strapped François Paul used to fund his brand, much like Abraham Louis Breguet did over 200 years ago. Fast forward 20 years, and the F.P. Journe brand has evolved into an independent horological powerhouse, with waiting lists growing ever longer and auction results becoming increasingly impressive.
Originally launched as a women’s watch in 2014, the F.P. Journe Elegante was frequently overlooked as a timepiece worth considering due to its quartz movement. However, true to F.P. Journe’s reputation, this quartz movement is far from ordinary. With the increasing appreciation for F.P. Journe watches in general, collectors have finally started to acknowledge the Elegante's true value and impressive technical engineering.
Visually, our example here is housed within a sleek tonneau-style case measuring 48mm x 40mm. In contrast to its slightly smaller counterpart, i.e. the Elegante 40, the full-sized Elegante 48 you see here is designed for those who prefer a larger case option. It also features a stunning translucent dial with a luminescent center that illuminates entirely for excellent legibility under low light conditions, which makes it astonishingly user-friendly and easily recognizable. If you look closer, you’ll notice an open aperture at 4:30 on the dial, which reveals a mechanical motion detector that playfully hints at the remarkable marvel housed within.
Powering the Elegante from within is one of the most impressive quartz movements available today: F.P. Journe’s in-house Cal. 1210. This electromechanical movement underwent 8 years of rigorous research and development, making it one of the most energy-efficient movements on the market. When you turn the watch over on its caseback, you’ll be greeted by a stunning 4N gold movement, featuring an intricately engraved and decorated battery bridge, complemented by exquisite Côtes de Genève finishing throughout. With a battery life of 8 to 18 years, depending on usage, the Cal. 1210 automatically enters standby mode after 35 minutes of inactivity, all while continuously tracking time with its microprocessor.
When the watch is moved again, the hands instantly spring back into action, displaying the time as usual by taking the shortest route to conserve energy. Additionally, the hour, minute, and seconds hands each have their dedicated motors, minimizing the need for lubricants that could dry up and potentially impact its efficiency later in the movement’s lifespan. This extraordinary design is a testament to F.P. Journe's watchmaking philosophy, with the Elegante’s patented movement showcasing breathtaking engineering ingenuity.
Given everything I’ve mentioned above, the F.P. Journe Elegante can be described as an exquisitely engineered work of mechanical art. It certainly lives up to its reputation and is undoubtedly deserving of its accolades as a beautifully wearable and understated timepiece.
