At first glance, one could easily write off the F.P Journe Élegante as another quartz watch. In a myriad of high end independent watches, and even within the brand itself, a question begs; why would I choose a watch with a battery instead of the mechanical wonders that Francois Paul is known for? 

The Élegante is not just any other quartz watch; it took Journe eight years of research and development to finish this rare specimen. The transparent case back of the Élegante shows off its beautiful Côtes de Genève finishing on the rose gold battery cover and the beautifully laid out circuits. Additionally, the genius behind the movement is that if used as a daily wearer, the battery will last 8-10 years while if part of a collection and occasional wrist time, the battery will last an astonishing 18 years. If you take a closer look at the amazing luminous dial, there is a tiny window at four o’clock; this tiny mechanical motion sensor communicates to the circuits of the movement whether the watch is being used or not. After thirty-five minutes of resting, the watch shuts down the hands while the movement continues to track the time behind the scenes. When you strap on the watch again, the watch wakes up the hands move back to the correct position displaying the time.