To honor the 50th year of diplomatic relations between the French Republic and the People’s Republic of China, F. P. Journe, who carries the enviable charge of official watchmaker to France-China 50, has unveiled a wonderful adaptation of his gorgeous ladies’ line – the Elégante.
This new version from the Elégante line uses a translucent jade dial as it represents a perfect marriage between the two cultures. France became the first major western country to open diplomatic relations to China in 1964, during the height of the cold war. Many saw this as an act of courage between two great men of modern history – General de Gaulle and President Mao Tse Tung.
The Elégante with Jade dial is a unique piece made from 950 platinum and is adorned with perfectly cut round brilliant diamonds. The case of the Elégante line is made in a Tortue shape, which is quite rare in modern watchmaking. The case carries dimensions of 34mm across and 35mm top to bottom. Completing the watch is a black satin strap, which serves to enhance the sophistication of this piece. The Elégante is the first ladies’ collection from F. P. Journe.
Apart from the translucent Jade dial, many of the dial elements are the same like the uniquely shaped blued steel hands and the large easy-to-read Arabic numerals marking the hours. At the 6 position is a small seconds register, which is also indicated with a blued steel hand. At the 4:30 position is located what at first glance looks like a balance wheel but as this watch carries a quartz movement that idea loses ground quickly.
In fact, it is a motion sensor that discerns whether or not the watch is currently being worn. If there is no movement for a continuous half of an hour, then the watch goes into standby mode until the motion sensor picks up movement again. With this innovation, the Elégante from F. P. Journe will last for 8-10 years with daily use and an amazing 18 years if not worn at all. Once restarted the hands spring back into action taking the shortest and most energy saving path to the current time.
TAGS: Diamonds, Elegante, F.P. Journe, France-China 50, Haute Horlogerie, Jade, Platinum, Power Reserve, Quartz Watches, Sapphire Crystal, Swiss Made, Women's Watches