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ÉLÉGANTE BY F.P. JOURNE: A Decade of Timeless Innovation
Élégante by F.P. Journe celebrates its 10th anniversary with a remarkable tribute to Serge Cukrowicz, known as Gino, a visionary, co-founder of Montres Journe SA, and a key figure in independent watchmaking. The newly introduced élégante Gino’s Dream is a stunning timepiece that captures Gino’s passion, vibrant spirit, and lasting legacy in horology.
The Life and Legacy of Serge “Gino” Cukrowicz
A Passionate Advocate for Independent Watchmaking
Born on June 20, 1959, in Antwerp, Belgium, Serge Cukrowicz was immersed in luxury craftsmanship from an early age. His father, Sammy Cukrowicz, a renowned diamond dealer, introduced him to fine watchmaking, igniting a lifelong passion for horology.
In 1987, he co-founded Ginotti Jewelers, which quickly became a leading destination for collectors. Known for his flamboyant style, love for bright colors, and iconic diamond earrings, he embodied bold individuality in the watch industry. Beyond aesthetics, Gino staunch supporter of independent watchmakers, recognizing their authenticity and innovation.
A Fateful Encounter with François-Paul Journe
At the Basel Fair in the early 1990s, Gino first met François-Paul Journe, who was showcasing his first tourbillon and remontoire wristwatch. Immediately recognizing its genius, Gino attempted to buy it, but Journe declined. This encounter led to a lifelong friendship and, ultimately, a pivotal collaboration.
After the Tourbillon Souverain debuted in 1999, Gino partnered with François-Paul Journe and Philippe Rabin to establish Montres Journe SA. His strategic expertise and global network were crucial to the brand’s expansion.
Honoring a Legacy: Introducing élégante Gino’s Dream
Élégante Gino’s Dream embodies Gino’s colorful personality and passion for watchmaking. This extraordinary timepiece showcases:
A Rainbow-Set Bezel: 52 baguette-cut gemstones in a perfect color gradient, meticulously selected and set with unparalleled precision.
Signature Yellow Strap is a bold tribute to Gino’s style and favorite watch configuration.
Flat Tortue® Titanium Case: Lightweight, durable, and available in a Titalyt® version with an electro-plasma oxidation treatment.
Fully Luminescent Dial: Developed by Cadraniers de Genève, ensuring exceptional legibility in all conditions.
The Revolutionary Calibre 1210: A Watch That Suspends Time
At the heart of élégante Gino’s Dream is the Calibre 1210, a groundbreaking electromechanical movement designed after eight years of research.
- Energy-Saving Sleep Mode: The watch enters standby mode after 35 minutes to preserve battery life.
- Instant Time Reset: At 4:30, a motion detector resets the time via the shortest path—clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Unparalleled Battery Life: 8-10 years of autonomy in everyday use and up to 18 years in standby mode.
- Superior Craftsmanship: Featuring a custom microprocessor with rose gold-gilded circuit tracks, reflecting F.P. Journe’s signature Classique collection.
A Tribute Beyond Time – Élégante by F.P. Journe
More than just a watch, the élégante Gino’s Dream is a heartfelt homage to a visionary and friend. Through this masterpiece, François-Paul Journe ensures that Gino’s legacy continues to shine.
F.P. Journe: A Legacy of Independent Haute Horlogerie
A Visionary in Modern Watchmaking
F.P. Journe stands as one of the most revered names in independent haute horlogerie, representing an uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the pursuit of perfection. Founded by François-Paul Journe, the brand has carved its path in luxury watchmaking, defying convention while staying true to the golden age of horology.
The Man Behind the Brand
Born in 1957 in Marseille, France, François-Paul Journe was drawn to watchmaking from an early age. He studied at the Ecole d’Horlogerie de Paris, mastering the art of horology under the influence of great watchmakers before him. His early career was restoring antique timepieces, which deepened his understanding of traditional mechanical principles. However, his true passion lay in creating his timepieces, merging centuries-old techniques with modern advancements.
The Birth of Montres Journe SA
In 1999, Journe introduced his first collection under the Latin motto “Invenit et Fecit”—meaning “Invented and Made”—a declaration of complete in-house production. That same year, he launched the Tourbillon Souverain, a groundbreaking timepiece featuring a remontoir d’égalité system that ensures constant force delivery to the escapement for superior precision.
A Revolutionary Approach to Horology
Its relentless focus on technical excellence and innovative mechanisms sets F.P. Journe apart. Unlike mass-produced luxury watches, each F.P. Journe creation is a testament to independent craftsmanship, made in limited quantities to maintain exclusivity. Some of the brand’s most iconic innovations include:
- Chronomètre à Résonance (2000) – The first wristwatch to utilize the principle of resonance, where two balance wheels oscillate in harmony for greater precision.
- Octa Collection (2001) – Featuring a self-winding movement with an impressive 120-hour power reserve, a rarity at the time.
- Sonnerie Souveraine (2006) – A grande sonnerie and minute repeater, one of the most complex horological complications, produced with unparalleled acoustic clarity.
The élégante and Electromechanical Innovation
While F.P. Journe is renowned for its mechanical mastery, the brand took a bold step into electromechanical watchmaking with the élégante collection. First introduced in 2014, the Calibre 1210 movement allows the watch to enter a standby mode after 35 minutes of inactivity, extending battery life up to 18 years. This fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern efficiency reflects Journe’s avant-garde approach to horology.
A Brand of Exclusivity and Prestige
F.P. Journe timepieces are crafted with the utmost precision, using 18K rose gold movements, platinum, and titanium cases. Only by maintaining unparalleled exclusivity and a few thousand watches produced each year does the brand maintain unparalleled exclusivity, making each piece a true collector’s item.
A Legacy of Independent Excellence
F.P. Journe continues redefining independent watchmaking boundaries, staying true to its founder’s vision of authenticity, precision, and timeless craftsmanship.
Serge “Gino” Cukrowicz: A Legacy in Independent Watchmaking
Serge “Gino” Cukrowicz was a visionary in independent watchmaking, a passionate entrepreneur, and a lifelong supporter of innovation in horology. His influence on Montres Journe SA and his enduring friendship with François-Paul Journe helped shape one of the most respected names in haute horlogerie.
Early Life and Passion for Watches
Born on June 20, 1959, in Antwerp, Belgium, Gino was surrounded by luxury from a young age. His father, Sammy Cukrowicz, was a renowned diamond dealer, and through him, Gino developed an appreciation for fine craftsmanship. His love for watches began early, sparked by the Flik Flak timepieces his father gifted him as a child.
In 1987, Gino co-founded Ginotti Jewelers, a boutique that quickly gained recognition among collectors for its curated selection of fine timepieces. He jokingly referred to himself as “CET” (Chief Executive Timekeeper), a title reflecting his lighthearted personality and deep respect for horology.
Gino’s flamboyant style made him stand out—he embraced bright colors, bold outfits, and signature accessories, including diamond earrings and a yellow watch strap. But beyond his striking appearance, he advocated for independent watchmakers, valuing their creativity, authenticity, and technical ingenuity over mass-produced luxury.
A Fateful Meeting with François-Paul Journe
Gino’s life changed at the Basel Fair in the early 1990s when he met François-Paul Journe, wearing his first tourbillon and remontoir wristwatch. Recognizing its brilliance, Gino immediately tried to buy it, but Journe refused. This encounter sparked a friendship that would define both of their careers.
After launching the Tourbillon Souverain in 1999, Gino joined François-Paul Journe and Philippe Rabin to establish Montres Journe SA, playing a key role in the brand’s expansion and strategic growth. He traveled the world with Journe, opening boutiques, meeting collectors, and championing independent watchmaking.
A Lasting Legacy
Gino passed away on May 6, 2021, in Singapore, surrounded by his wife Radhi, children Gina and Dylan, and stepchildren Shawn and Zane. His legacy lives on through élégante Gino’s Dream, a timepiece dedicated to him by F.P. Journe, ensuring that his passion, vision, and impact on horology remain timeless.
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