F.P. Journe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2005
    Case No: "Piece Unique"
    Model Name: Octa Zodiaque
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300, 28 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: F.P. Journe Alligator strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K F.P. Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, clasp and strap signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe Certificate of Authenticity confirming the present watch was offered in 2005 to the Children Auction Foundation and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    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.

  • 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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Σ300

Lot offered with No Reserve

An enormously attractive and unique pink gold automatic wristwatch with date, month and zodiac sign indication, power reserve indication, certificate of authenticity and box, made in 2005 for Children Action and proceeds being donated again to Children Action

2005
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, clasp and strap signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€147,000-295,000
$159,000-319,000

Sold for CHF804,400

Contact Specialist

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

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022