On March 2, a Phillips charity auction was held in Miami. One of the lots put up for sale was the FP Journe Élégante Titalyt “Pink” model with a quartz-mechanical movement. After 10 minutes of bidding, the watch, created in a single copy, went under the hammer for $420. This is a record for a quartz watch without precious stones in decoration.
As in the production version, the model's case, 48 mm in diameter, is made of Titalyt material (titanium that has undergone an electroplasma oxidation process). The only thing that distinguishes an auction copy from a regular one is the number “1” highlighted in pink on the dial. The pink color in the watch is a reference to the fight against breast cancer. The entire amount from the sale of the model will be transferred to a foundation that conducts research in this area (Breast Cancer Research Foundation).
Strictly speaking, the watch is not entirely quartz. Inside the case is a hybrid quartz-mechanical caliber, which is rare for luxury models. If worn continuously, the watch can last from 8 to 10 years. After 35 minutes of inactivity (removed from the hand), the mechanism goes into sleep mode to save battery power. In hibernation, the countdown continues.
When the owner returns to use, a motion sensor installed in the mechanism starts its operation. The arrows are automatically moved to the desired position using the shortest route. The maximum operating life of the watch in standby mode is 18 years.
