In 1999, François-Paul Journe launched his brand with the introduction of the Tourbillon Souverain, featuring a world premiere remontoir d’egalité – the first time this mechanism was ever integrated with a tourbillon in a wristwatch. Since then, he has become a renowned Swiss manufacturer with an impressive collection of complicated timepieces that are highly sought after in the market today. In 2014, Journe released his Élégante collection, which at the time he stated "I created this watch because for 20 years, women have been asking me to design a watch for them; a watch that was different and comfortable to wear, and that suited their needs and desires. I therefore created this long-lasting watch especially for them." Today, the Élégante is suitable for both women and men with watches in 40 and 48mm diameter cases.

As with all F. P. Journe watches, the marvel of the mechanism is matched by its design excellence. The tortue-shaped case is reminiscent of timepieces from the early 20th century, but the 21st-century quartz movement within is technically genius. To preserve battery life, the watch “hibernates” after 30 minutes of inactivity, stopping the hands from moving. When the watch is moved again, a small motion detector at 4 o’clock “awakens” the watch, which readjusts the hands to the correct time. The dial is translucent white, made with Super-LumiNova featuring black Arabic numerals, and a railway outer minute ring.

The present example with pavé diamond-set bezel from 2018 is offered for the first time at auction and is complete with its suite of accessories. The Élégante is one of F. P. Journe’s most endearing and unique timepieces and this stunning, gem-set version is perfectly suited for every day or even formal wear.