Conceptualized in 2005 by the esteemed watchmaker Francois Paul-Journe to revolutionize the concept of quartz movements, the Élégante underwent a total of eight years of research and development. The Élégante is truly no ordinary timepiece, to challenge the boundaries of longevity tied with the usual downfall of battery life in a quartz movement, Journe devised an ingenious hibernating capability as the watch reaches 35 minutes of inactivity.

Equipped with a proprietary electro-mechanical movement that features a motion detector visible on the dial at 4:30 aperture, the watch is able to conserve its energy by stopping the hands and rotors while keeping time in the back of its mind. Once the watch is moved again, it awakens and miraculously readjusts to the current time by taking the shortest path—either clockwise or counter clockwise, a true delight to witness the magic. Furthermore, the luminous dial provides intense luminosity in the dark allowing the wearer to view the entire dial at night.

Sporting in a modern titanium, the present example sized at 48mm and paired with a striking orange strap flatters all styles and all wrists. Offered in an excellent condition along with its original accessories, the Élégante proudly lives up to Journe’s philosophy “Invenit et Fecit”. Highly sought after, this is an excellent addition to collectors of haute horlogerie.