F.P. Journe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2003
    Case No: 007-04Q
    Model Name: Octa Calendrier "Souscription"
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: F.P. Journe platinum pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, buckle and strap signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by souscription confirmation letter dated October 18, 2002, Certificat d'Authenticite dated December 2, 2020, wooden fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    For those entrenched in the horological world of the 21st century, it is difficult to imagine an existence without F.P. Journe. François-Paul Journe introduced his first wristwatch, the Tourbillon Souverain, in 1999, and shortly thereafter followed with the revolutionary Chronomètre à Résonance and the Octa Automatique. The Octa began as one watch but with the mindset that Journe was in fact building the base of an entire collection – which indeed happened. Before being discontinued, the Octa Automatique formed the basis of eight separate models, each with different complications.

    The present timepiece represents the very beginning of the Octa collection, and sheds some light on the genesis of the model.

    While it is by now common knowledge that the first Resonance and the first Tourbillon F.P. Journe timepieces were sold as subscription pieces in advance of their production, in order to gather the funds to make them, collectors are less aware that a similar beginning was reserved for the Octa Calendrier. In fact, the Octa Calendar, Octa Reserve de Marche and Octa Chronograph were sold to the same watch collectors as the ones who had subscribed to the Tourbillion and Resonance

    The present piece can then be considered a cornerstone of F.P. Journe production, and the beginning of what will become one of the most successful collections of the brand. Fully documenting its peculiar history, not only the watch comes with a certificate signed by Journe himself but it is accompanied even by the original 2002 letter with which F.P. Journe communicated to the client that his souscription had been registered. A true living fossil and without a doubt one of the most important Octas in existence.

  • Artist Biography

    F.P. Journe

    Swiss • 1999

    Founded by watchmaker François-Paul Journe in 1999, the F.P. Journe brand is relatively young, but already is as highly regarded by collectors as many distinguished manufacturers with centuries-old heritage. In the minds of the world's savviest collectors, Journe is producing some of the finest wristwatches the market has ever seen. Mastering his craft from restoring historical timepieces, he was the first to create a wristwatch incorporating two escapements that benefit from the phenomenon of resonance — the Chronomètre à Résonance.

    Key models include the Résonance, tourbillon wristwatches incorporating a remontoir and the limited edition Vagabondage series. Especially sought-after are his earliest "souscription" watches, made in 1999.

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11

An extremely fine and rare platinum full calendar automatic wristwatch with retrograde date, Certificate and Box, part of a 20 pieces souscription series

2003
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, buckle and strap signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€36,400-72,800
$43,800-87,700

Sold for CHF220,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021