A longtime friend of François-Paul Journe, Gino Cukrowicz (1959-2021) was also one of the watchmaker’s earliest supporters, having been a shareholder in the company since almost the beginning. To remember his departed friend, Mr Journe created the Élégante Gino’s Dream, a “rainbow” version of his clever quartz sports watch.

A reference to Cukrowicz’s colourful personality, Gino’s Dream is the larger, 48 mm Élégante model with a bezel set with 52 baguette-cut synthetic gemstones of glass-ceramic. Apart from commemorating Cukrowicz, Gino’s Dream also serves as the 10th anniversary special edition of the Élégante.

François-Paul Journe and Gino Cukrowicz in 2003 at the opening of the brand’s Tokyo boutique

Initial thoughts

A personality with a capital “P”, Cukrowicz was almost inseparable from Mr Journe. The rainbow Élégante is a perfect tribute that captures the man.

Beyond the personal significance of the watch, Gino’s Dream is also a perfect addition to the line. Both fun and interesting without being too expensive – availability is another matter – Gino’s Dream continues with the colourful, casual, and affordable focus of the Élégante collection.

Rainbow memories

Gino’s Dream is a variant of the Élégante with 52 baguette-cut rainbow stones on the bezel. Instead of natural gemstones, the stones are glass-ceramic, a clear, polycrystalline material that can be used to simulate natural gemstones. As a result, Gino’s Dream is more affordable than the typical “rainbow” gemstone wristwatch, though certainly not more accessible.

The rest of the watch is identical to the standard Élégante. The case is the larger size that’s 40 mm in diameter and 48 mm long. It’s available in either natural titanium with a luminous dial or with a black dial and a scratch-resistant Titalyt coating that gives it a dark grey finish.

The movement is the cal. 1210, the in-house quartz movement with a built-in sensor that puts the watch to sleep if it is stationary for 35 minutes. The battery will last 18 years in standby mode, and at least eight years in regular timekeeping mode.

The tiny oscillating weight at four o’clock detects motion

Key facts and price

F.P. Journe Élégante Gino’s Dream

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 7.95 mm
Material: Titanium or Titalyt-coated titanium, bezel set with 52 baguette-cut ceramic stones
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 1210
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Quartz
Power reserve: 8-10 years in standard mode, 18 years in standby mode

Strap: Rubber with folding clasp

Limited edition: No
Availability: At F.P. Journe boutiques and retailers
Price: CHF34,500 before taxes

For more, visit Fpjourne.com.