In the world of watchmaking, certain names resonate with particular intensity. Serge Cukrowicz, a man of passion and chara- cter, known to all as Gino, was one such figure.
Born on June 20 1959 in Antwerp (Belgium), he was the son of Sammy Cukrowicz, a renowned diamond dealer. From an early age, he developed a fascination for watchmaking thanks to the Flik Flak watches his father gave him. In 1987, he co- founded the Ginotti Jewelers boutique, derisively calling himself “CET” (Chief Executive Timekeeper).
With his flamboyant dressing style, Gino never went unnoticed. He favoured bright colours and out-of-the-ordinary outfits. He always wore his élégante on a yellow bracelet, as well as a host of accessories, including his famous diamond earrings. These choices reflected his approach to life, colourful, lively and full of passion.
Known for his frankness and humour, he had a gift for building genuine relationships with people – collectors, colleagues or friends. He was not afraid to share his opinions, valuing independent watchmakers in particular for their ability to innovate, their authenticity and their creativity. He respected the singular contributions of those craftsmen who went off the beaten track.
At the turn of the 1990s, at the Basel Fair, he came across François-Paul Journe wearing his first tourbillon and remontoire wristwatch and tried to buy it from him, but to no avail… Gino immediately recognised the genius behind the work. This meeting marked the beginning of a friendship, but also of a future collaboration.
After the presentation of the Tourbillon Souverain in 1999, he joined forces with François-Paul Journe and Philippe Rabin to found Montres Journe SA. His role as a partner was significant in the development and expansion of the brand, which has benefited from his experience, his network and his ardour. The management strategy of the trio of partners was based on the systematic reinvestment of profits into the company and on collegial decision-making.
What journeys and adventures they had together! Travelling the world for the inauguration of Boutiques in Tokyo and Hong Kong, press conferences in the Middle East and roadshows in the United States.
His relationship with François-Paul Journe was based on mutual trust and unfailing friendship. His unwavering commitment helped to shape an environment in which the watchmaker was free to express his vision of contemporary watchmaking, closely linked to the golden age of horological science. When asked “What is your dream for F.P.Journe?”, he replied: “It is to be able to participate in the re- alisation of François-Paul Journe’s one.”
élégante Gino’s Dream
Named in his memory, François-Paul Journe dedicates the élégante Gino’s Dream to him, a model directly inspired by Gino’s vibrant temperament. The bezel is adorned with a gradation of 52 baguette-cut stones in rainbow hues, and the strap, in yellow, echoes his col- ourful style.
The creation of the bezel reflects the expertise of Boîtiers de Genève, a Manufacture belonging to F.P.Journe. The colours of the ceramic glass stones have been rigorously selected by François-Paul Journe to achieve a perfect balance. They are then set with a precision of one hundredth of a millimetre. The result is a harmonious composition that captures and reflects the light.
The fully luminescent dial, originally developed in white and then in black by the Cadraniers de Genève workshops, ensures remarkable legibility in the dark. The 48 mm case in Titanium, a material chosen for its lightness and resistance, has a Flat Tortue® shape. The Titalyt® version, recognisable by its anthracite colour, has undergone an electro-plasma oxidation treatment to assert its distinctiveness within the élégante by F.P.Journe collection. The versatility of this watch makes it suitable for all styles, from casual to formal.
The élégante Gino’s Dream is powered by a watchmaking concept that is celebrating its 10 anniversary. In 2014, after 8 years of research and development, F.P.Journe unveiled an innovative electromechanical movement, the Calibre 1210, which has the power to suspend time and restart it; the absolute dream of every watchmaker. After 35 minutes of immobility, the watch goes into sleep mode to save energy. As soon as it is worn again, thanks to the motion detector at 4:30, it resets to the exact time by the shortest path, clockwise or anti-clockwise, providing an autonomy of 8 to 10 years in normal use and up to 18 years in standby mode.
All the mechanical components are produced within the Manufacture F.P.Journe, in compliance with its strict quality and finishing criteria. As for the electronic part, it is designed in Switzerland and incorporates a microprocessor invented following unique specifications. As an added touch of refinement, the printed circuit tracks are gilded with rose Gold, a subtle reminder of the 18K rose Gold mechanical move- ments of the Classique collection.
The philosophy underlying the concept of the élégante is in line with the values of F.P.Journe: a balance between tradition and innovation. If the master watchmakers of the 18th century had had access to electronics, they would undoubtedly have used it to improve the precision of their instruments. In this spirit, François-Paul Journe has chosen to use modern technologies while respecting the codes of Haute Hor- logerie. The movement of the élégante, with its cutting-edge components, symbolises this bridge between past and future.
The élégante Gino’s Dream is more than a watch; it is a tribute to a man whose fervour left its mark on F.P.Journe. François-Paul Journe not only celebrates his memory, but also bears witness to their friendship, their collaboration and their shared quest for excellence. Through this new creation, Gino continues to shine.
