F.P. Journe Elegante Ladies Watch

I never thought that one of my favorite independent watchmakers from Geneva would produce a colorful lady's watch that I would not only enjoy, but really wished to write about. Neither did F.P. Journe for that matter. It took him years to finally produce a full collection of watches for women under his brand name, and the resulting Elegante is the first timepiece he claims to have been inspired by the wives of his most passionate clients versus himself.

Knowing Francois-Paul I wouldn't have guessed him - as a serious watchmaker and classicist - to devote the type of time and effort he did into a timepiece collection for women. In fact the clever mechanism and design weren't the hardest part - it was the fact that for the sake of fashion he was pressured to release so many colors. Yes, for a man whose own taste and personal desires fuels the creative engine of a company, making these decisions can be difficult. Having said all that, I think that the Elegante collection is a resounding success. So much so that I'd love to see a version of the movement in a men's watch (though I doubt it will happen given Mr. Journe's strict dedication to all things mechanical for his own wrist).