Quite possibly the most-sought after Quartz-powered watch in the world right now, comparing the Élégante 48mm Titalyt to “hen’s teeth” would be an understatement. Manufactured by one of the greatest independent watchmakers of the 21st Century, F.P. Journe has had an incredible surge in interest over the past couple of years, with auction prices fetching millions of pounds for the watchmaker’s earliest pieces.

Described as a “revolutionary horological concept”, the Élégante truly is a unique offering to the watch industry as we know it. Using an electro-mechanical movement within a torque-shaped case, the watch combines quartz-accuracy with mechanical genius. The watch displays its mechanical motion detector at 4:30 on the dial, and when the watch is taken off, after 35 minutes it goes into a standby mode. During the time, the microprocessor within continues to keep the time whilst the mechanical parts stop moving. Upon picking up the watch again (whether it be days or months later) the hands set themselves automatically to the correct, current time via the shortest path - whether this be clockwise or counter clockwise. Still with us? Because of this, as a daily-wearer the movement will last between 8 and 10 years before requiring a service, and in standby mode up to 18 years!

Stepping away from what’s within the watch and looking at the case, this Élégante has a grade 5 titanium case which has been enhanced through Titalyt treatment (improving both the material’s hardness and resistance to wear and corrosion). With a screw-down crown, the entire dial being luminescent, blued-hands and whilst also being paired with its vulcanised rubber strap (available in a multitude of colours), it’s to no surprise as to why this watch is the watch to have right now.

Condition Report:

In unworn condition, the watch comes to us in like-new condition and comes with its gorgeous suede F.P. Journe box, leather card holder, credit-card-style warranty card and USB stick.

• Year: 2020

• Reference: Élégante

• Material: DLC-Coated Titanium

• Size: 48mm

• Movement: Calibre 1210

• Waterproof: 30m

• Box Information: Original Box

• Extras: Original Certificate

• Strap: Grey Rubber Strap