COUTNDOWN TO WTLA:

F.P. Journe Brings the Updated Élégante Collection to WatchTime Los Angeles


Élégante by F.P. Journe was originally intended to be solely the brand’s offering for female enthusiasts. It was first released in 2016 and it uses an in-house quartz movement that took Journe and team eight years of R&D to perfect. Not only does the electromechanical caliber promise at least eight years of running autonomy, it also features a standby mode that automatically goes into action after the watch remains motionless for a period of 35 minutes. After switching over into this energy-saving mode, the hands completely stop moving; however, an internal microprocessor that was created specifically for the Élégante range continues to measure the passing time. A motion detector on the watch’s dial at the 4:30 position senses any movement and immediately awakens the hands and they jolt into action, setting themselves at the correct time by taking the shortest path, whether clockwise or counter-clockwise.

At SIHH 2019, Journe updated the Élégante in a new grade 5 titanium case with a Titalyt treatment. This treatment, previously seen in timepieces released by Richard Mille and within the aerospace and medical industries, subjects the material to electro-plasma oxidation which increases the watch’s hardness as well as improving its resistance to wear and corrosion. Additionally, it provides the Élégante timepieces with a sleek, matte gray color that increases the aesthetic flexibility of the watch — meaning it can function in both athletic and dressy circumstances.

The new Élégante collection comes in both 40 mm and 48 mm allowing the technically intriguing watch to appear on a wider range of wrists. However, the smaller version comes gem-set with 38 small diamonds around the outer bezel. The dial itself is fully lumed for all-day readability; during the day, the dial shimmers as if it was made of mother-of-pearl.

Despite the electromechanical nature of the quartz movement, Journe has fully finished the caliber in his typical fashion. The caliber is made of 4N gold with Côtes de Genève detailing. The battery bridge is fully engraved and decorated while the screw heads are hand polished and beveled. Prices for the updated Élégante by F.P. Journe collection start at CHF 10,600.

Leave a Reply