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 a 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 value and impressive technical engineering.
While there are several sizes and variants of the Elegante, I believe the 40mm x 35mm version is the most wearable option for those with medium-sized wrists, like mine. The standard Elegante features a grade-5 titanium tonneau-shaped case, but this example has undergone the brand’s proprietary ‘Titalyt’ treatment, achieved by generating oxide coatings on the case through an electrochemical process. This not only transforms the watch’s aesthetic into something far more unique, stealthy and attractive with its matte black finish but also enhances the material’s hardness and overall resistance to corrosion.
Moving on, the Elegante 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 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 meticulous philosophy, with the Elegante’s patented movement showcasing breathtaking engineering ingenuity.
Considering everything I’ve mentioned above, the F.P. Journe Elegante is undoubtedly deserving of its accolades as a beautifully wearable and understated piece.
