The FP Journe restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland, has been awarded a Michelin star less than a year after opening. But it's not just the food that's appealing here: The red-burgundy watches worn by the staff are a magnet for watch enthusiasts.
[Article published on January 26, 2024]
Earned a Michelin star within a year of opening
November 1st, 2024 marks one year since FPJOURNE restaurant was established at 49 Rue du Rhône in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland. The restaurant staff is led by Dominique Gautier, who was previously chef at the Beau Rivage Hotel.
Within a year, this restaurant, where customers could enjoy the world of watches, was featured in the French gourmet guidebook Gault & Millau, and later in the Michelin Guide, establishing a strong presence among Geneva's gourmets.
More interesting than the food? A limited edition watch for staff
Of course, the food prepared by chef Dominique Gautier is excellent, and the restaurant, which incorporates a concept by watchmaker François-Paul Journe, is a must-see for watch lovers. However, there is something else that will surely catch your eye.
If you have the opportunity to enjoy lunch or dinner at this restaurant, where you can fully appreciate the history and taste of FP Journe, you will notice that all the staff, including the chef, sommelier, and waiters, are wearing special watches: the Elegant 48mm Titalyt® with a red Bordeaux dial, reminiscent of Grand Cru red wine.
This watch was originally issued to restaurant staff, but later became a secret menu item available to "special customers" handpicked by the chef himself. What sets this model apart from the elegant 48mm Titalyt® available on the market is its red burgundy dial. It also features the inscription "Le Restaurant" instead of "invenit et fecit."
Quartz movement with "sleep mode"
The movement is the mechanical quartz Cal. 1210. The unique feature of this movement is its standby mode, a technology that can be called a watchmaker's dream.
If you take the watch off your wrist for about 30 minutes, the hands will stop moving to conserve energy. However, when you put it back on, the hands will start moving again and show the current time in the shortest possible distance. This allows the battery to last for about 8 to 10 years with normal use, and up to 18 years if left in standby mode.
The mechanical components are produced in the FP Journe Manufacture. The Swiss-designed electronics use a proprietary microprocessor. The printed circuit board on the case back is complemented by rose gold accents, which are reminiscent of the mechanical movements in FP Journe's "Classique" collection.
Either way, it's definitely a collector's item.
