The extra colorful FP Journe Elegante Gino’s Dream is an ode to friendship and watchmaking passion.
It sounds almost counterintuitive but one of FP Journe’s most popular timepieces is a quartz watch, the Elegante. Yet it is no ordinary quartz watch as the movement within, Caliber 1210, is incredibly smart, complex to create but easy to operate. Simply put, it goes to sleep when you’re not wearing it, and brims with life the moment you pick it up again. We’ll skip the details about how it works because chances are high that you already know all that — plus we’ve already covered the FP Journe Elegante in this article. So what’s new this year for the Elegante? The FP Journe Elegante Gino’s Dream is all about colors, gemstones and a wonderful story of friendship between two likeminded individuals.
FP Journe Elegante 48mm Gino’s Dream
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Elegante collection, the new Elegante 48mm Gino’s Dream features a spectacular bezel set full of rainbow-hued baguette-cut ceramic glass stones. Paved all around bezel, the colors highlight the familiar Flat Tortue shaped case which is produced by Boîtiers de Genève, a case manufacture fully owned by FP Journe. The colours of the ceramic glass stones have been rigorously selected by François-Paul Journe to achieve a perfect balance. They are then set with a precision of one hundredth of a millimetre, and the result is a harmonious composition that captures and reflects the light.
Also present in this model is the fully luminescent dial in either black or white produced for FP Journe by the Cadraniers de Genève. Here, the white dial comes with a polished titanium case while the back version is paired with anthracite-toned Titalyt. Both models are powered by Caliber 1210 in which all mechanical components are produced within the FP Journe manufacture in full compliance with its strict quality and finishing criteria.
Continuing with the bright colorful theme, both the watches are worn on extra bright yellow or orange rubber straps, a look that would perfectly match Gino’s vibrant style. Although, who is Gino and why did François-Paul Journe dedicate these watches to him?
Who is Serge “Gino” Cukrowicz?
Along with François-Paul Journe, Montres Journe SA was founded by Serge Cukrowicz and Philippe Rabin in 1999. Cukrowicz, who goes by Gino among friends and family, was a key partner in the business in more ways than one. Bringing foresight, experience and most importantly passion for horology, Gino met Journe in the 1990s at the Basel Fair where he saw the first FP Journe tourbillon and remontoire wristwatch and offered to buy the watch, albeit without success. Indeed he had immediately discerned how incredibly unique and technically brilliant the timepiece is. And although he wasn’t able to acquire the watch, he and Journe became fast friends.
Along with his flamboyant sense of style and a strong penchant for bright, bold colors, Gino was also known for his frankness and good humor. He had a gift for building genuine relationships with people, from collectors to colleagues to friends. He spoke openly and genuinely, valuing independent watchmakers in particular for their willingness and ability to innovate, as well as their innate authenticity and boundless creativity. Such was his fervor for horology that when he co-founded the company Ginotti Jewelers in 1987, Gino designated himself CET – Chief Executive Timekeeper.
Gino’s effervescent personality manifested most prominently in his wardrobe choices. He favored bright colors and out-of-the-ordinary outfits, and he always wore his Elegante on a yellow bracelet, along with a host of accessories. And he never forgets his diamond earrings. Such was his approach to life: colorful, lively and full of passion. Together with Journe and Rabin, Gino took Montres Journe SA all over the world, from Tokyo to Hong Kong, the Middle East to the United States.
So for the 10th anniversary of the FP Journe Elegante, there really is no timepiece more appropriate than the Elegante Gino’s Dream. A watch that is every bit as brilliant and colorful and iconic as the man.
Tech SpecsFP Journe Elegante Gino’s Dream
Movement: Caliber 1210 electromechanical patented two-rotor motor with dedicated processor, specific functions and low consumption; eight to 10 years (daily wear) 18 years (standby)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Case: 48 x 40 mm; 7.95mm height; set with 52 baguette-cut ceramic glass stones; titanium or Titalyt; water resistant to 30m
Strap: Yellow or orange rubber strap
