All the discontinued Watches from Rolex in 2025
F.P. Journe
Elegante Titalyt
About the brand
Let us share with you the captivating tale of F.P. Journe, a brand that exudes excellence and luxury in the world of horology. The journey of François-Paul Journe, the founder, began long before he established his own watch company in 1999. Born in the enchanting port city of Marseille, France in 1957, his passion for watchmaking was ignited in the cradle of France.
At the tender age of 14, he enrolled in a technical college and honed his skills. Years of hard work and dedication culminated in his graduation from the Paris watchmaking school in 1976. A mere two years later, Journe began working on his first tourbillon pocket watch, inspired by a George Daniels pocket watch that he had glimpsed on a client at his uncle's watchmaking studio. The master watchmaker would later be mentored by none other than the legendary George Daniels, the mastermind behind the Co-Axial Escapement.
At the age of 22, Journe was commissioned by Parisian ateliers P-G Brun to design a planetarium mechanism for Asprey in London. He worked tirelessly for seven years, and in 1983, he completed his first tourbillon pocket watch. He created the watch in his free time when he wasn't busy working for his uncle. François-Paul meticulously crafted every component of the watch, including the gold and silver case.
In 1985, Journe established his workshop where he created bespoke watches for collectors. A year later, F.P. Journe's first automatic chronometer pocket watch was born. This horological masterpiece housed a fusée chain and a five-second remontoire, along with a retrograde perpetual calendar and equation of time. In 1987, he crafted a planetary pocket watch that was commissioned by a collector.
Journe's skills and passion for watchmaking earned him several prestigious awards over the years. He received recognition from the Fondation Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet pour la Vocation, the Watchmakers Convention in Madrid, the Institut l'Homme et le Temps' Gaia Award for the Best Watchmaker, and the Prix Spécial du Jury.
In 1989, F.P. Journe established a movement manufacturer in Switzerland, where they eventually settled in Geneva. In 1991, Journe crafted his first wristwatch, creating the entire movement out of 18k gold. Just a few years later, in 1996, he founded TIM SA, a manufacturer dedicated to developing exclusive calibers.
The Tourbillon Souverain was launched in 1999, along with the newly established Montres Journe SA. The watch was inscribed with the words "F.P. Journe – Invenit et Fecit," which translate to "invented and made," signifying that it was an original conception crafted by only the best of craftsmen.
F.P. Journe continued to grow, and by 2000, the manufacturer had 50 employees producing 3-4 watches per day. In 2001, Journe developed the Octa calibre, his first mechanical movement that was self-winding. He would also work on the Opus One collection for Harry Winston.
Journe's success continued, and in 2003, he opened his first boutique in the Omotesando district of Tokyo, a vibrant hub for culture and the arts. This was followed by a Hong Kong boutique in 2006 and the first European boutique in Geneva in 2007. Today, F.P. Journe has boutiques around the world, including in the United States, showcasing Journe's captivating timepieces.
In 2018, Chanel acquired a minority stake in F.P. Journe, further solidifying the brand's place in the luxury watch industry. Journe's legacy has also inspired other up-and-coming independent watchmakers, including Rexhep Rexhepi, who worked for F.P. Journe before founding his own independent brand, Akrivia.
As a watch expert, I am in awe of Journe's dedication and commitment to creating truly exceptional watches that stand the test of time. His innovative designs and impeccable craftsmanship make F.P. Journe a true icon in the world of luxury watches.
The watch
The Élégante by FP Journe is a horological masterpiece that is both eclectic and enigmatic. This luxurious timepiece was conceived during the designer's travels to the Middle East, where he was approached by many clients' wives who yearned for a women's watch from his collection. And so, after eight years of intense research and development, the Élégante was born, featuring an in-house quartz movement that is unlike anything that has ever graced the market.
This unique watch has garnered a cult following from all corners of the watch world, thanks to its exquisite attention to detail, saving energy, ease of use, and imperious electrical luxury. The quartz caliber 1210 is a true masterpiece that rivals even the Resonance in terms of the development budget. FP Journe refused to simply hide the quartz movement but instead created one that is worth displaying with pride.
The Élégante is made with a rose gold backplate, which is a testament to Journe's commitment to excellence. His team spent two years developing a rose gold alloy that conducts as well as yellow gold, resulting in a stunning backplate that is both beautiful and functional. But the pièce de résistance of this watch is its ability to go into standby mode when it senses that it is not being worn. This incredible feature ensures that the watch conserves energy, leading to a battery life of up to 10 years and 18 years of standby.
The Élégante is the only Journe with a screw-down crown. The entire dial is Super-Luminova, providing a stunning glow that is visible even in the darkest of environments. And that little reveal at 4? That's its oscillating weight, not for power, but as a motion sensor. This attention to detail and engineering excellence has made the Élégante one of the most sought-after haute-quartz watches in the world.
The larger 48mm edition of the Élégante has brought this iconic timepiece to a wider audience, adding a degree of lightness to titanium. The Élégante is truly a one-of-a-kind watch, unlike anything else on the market. Its iconoclast charm has captivated collectors around the world, and it continues to be a must-have for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. As a horology expert, I can attest that the Élégante by FP Journe is a true masterpiece, combining exquisite design with cutting-edge technology and engineering excellence.
The watch comes as a complete set and will come with an orange strap.
Specifications
Movement | Quartz |
---|---|
Calibre |
F.P. Journe Caliber 1210
|
Dial | Super Luminova |
Case size | 48mm |
Material | Titalyt |
Bracelet | F.P. Journe rubber strap |
Glass | Sapphire |
Condition | Excellent |
Box & Papers | Complete, Full set from 2019 |
About the brand
About the watch
At The Second Hand Club, we are committed advocates for the exceptional quality of our curated selection of pre-owned timepieces and mechanical objects. In the event of an unexpected issue, we remain committed to addressing it promptly and effectively. Our client's trust and satisfaction are paramount to our entire team.
Each pre-owned watch in our collection has been meticulously examined using non-intrusive methods to confirm their mechanical integrity. Where necessary, servicing has been performed to guarantee they align with our highest standards for timekeeping precision and functional performance.
Unless explicitly indicated, our pre-owned watches are protected by either a comprehensive or a limited warranty for a period of twenty-four months. However, this warranty does not cover damages resulting from accidents or misuse. Given their vintage status, pre-owned watches may not withstand the same conditions as brand new models.
We have a no refund policy, which means that all sales are final.
In some rare cases, we will accept a return awarding you with a store credit making you eligible to choose a different watch from our inventory using your initial payment amount towards the new timepiece.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at contact@thesecondhandclub.com. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at contact@thesecondhandclub.com.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Refunds
All sales are final. We do not issue refunds.