One of the most unusual of Francois-Paul Journe’s creations, the Octa Zodiaque was produced in a limited series of 150 pieces between 2004 and 2007. Cased in platinum with the rare brass Octa automatic movement, it was the first 40mm Journe to have central hour and minute hands. It still bears the characteristic power reserve indicator, oversized date display, and subsidiary seconds typical and beloved of the Octa series. The outer portion with the month and zodiac sign rotates incrementally each day, so that the month and corresponding zodiac sign is always indicated at the twelve o’clock position. In line with the fact the the English names of the zodiac signs are a transliteration of their Latin names, F.P. Journe decided to use Latin for the months as well: a subtle details which highlights the care and thought Mr. Journe infuses in his creations.
While the original 150-pieces edition was already incredibly limited, the present watch elevates the bar of rarity and collectability to truly vertiginous heights. Offered without reserve, the present watch is the only example of the Octa Zodiaque made in pink gold. This piece unique watch was made for the Children Action Gala of 2005. In fact, history is destined to repeat itself as the current owner of the watch donated it once again to the same charitable institution, who will benefit from the sale. Furthermore, all the buyer's premium will also be donated to charity.
While some of us may consider astrology as a frivolous pastime, the signs of the zodiac have been displayed on the most prestigious and complicated watches of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including Patek Philippe’s Caliber 89. Modern complicated wristwatches rarely, if ever, display the signs of the zodiac, making this reference even more unique across the broader catalogue of contemporary wristwatches.