Geneva, September 18, 2024 - The Manufacture F.P.Journe donated a unique élégante 48 mm Titalyt®. Offered at auction by Phillips and specially designed in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Geneva (MAMCO), a major player on the Swiss and international art scene, and an institution to which F.P.Journe has donated several works as part of the Prix Solo artgenève, it sold for CHF 470’000. All proceeds from this sale will be exclusively dedicated to the renovation of the museum.

In 2014, François-Paul Journe introduced the élégante collection, the result of eight years of development, featuring the exclusive caliber 1210. This electromechanical movement offers a remarkable battery life of 8 to 10 years in daily use and up to 18 years in standby mode. To preserve battery life, the watch goes into sleep mode after 35 minutes of inactivity, stopping the movement of the hands. As soon as it is worn again, thanks to the motion sensor visible at 4:30, the hands reset to the exact time by taking the shortest path.

The concept of this model perfectly represents the philosophy of F.P.Journe, combining tradition and innovation. In this spirit, the élégante uses cutting-edge technologies while remaining true to the principles of Haute Horlogerie. Its movement, incorporating a custom-made microprocessor, and mechanical parts produced by F.P.Journe’s Geneva Manufacture, embodies the link between past and future.

This unique model features a luminescent grey dial adorned with the letters A, R, and T in red, blue, and yellow, forming the word ART, an acronym symbolizing the values of the Geneva Manufacture: Authenticity, Rarity, and Talent. This motif is inspired by the work "Art" (1994, MAMCO Collection) by Maurizio Nannucci, an artist who explores the relationship between art, sign, text, and light. The bezel is engraved with the inscription “30 MAMCO”, celebrating the museum’s three decades of artistic contribution.

Aurel Bacs - Senior Consultant at Phillips: “We are honoured to once again be the auction house chosen to support a charitable cause through the sale of a unique F.P.Journe wristwatch. Francois-Paul Journe's exceptional generosity and commitment to philanthropy are well known, as he consistently donates unique pieces to support meaningful causes. This one-of-a-kind élégante dedicated to the MAMCO, not only reflects his unwavering dedication to the arts but also his passion for preserving cultural heritage. We are excited to achieve the best possible outcome, with all proceeds going directly towards the restoration of Geneva’s premier contemporary art museum.”

About MAMCO
Since its opening in 1994, MAMCO has become a major institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art in Switzerland. Located in a former factory in the heart of Geneva, MAMCO offers an innovative museography approach, combining temporary exhibitions and regularly updated presentations of its permanent collections across more than 3,500 m². The renovation project led by architects Kuehn Malvezzi (Berlin) and CCHE (Geneva) aims to reorganize and modernize its spaces, strengthening its essential role in promoting contemporary art on the local and international scene.