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 Chronométre à Résonance and the Octa Automatique. Believed to have been first conceived on a napkin in 1994, these three seminal pieces were available in a 38mm platinum case and were fitted with 18K gold dials.

Journe himself says regarding the development of the Octa, “The creation of the Octa calibre was a real challenge for me, partly in terms of chronometry and timekeeping, but also in terms of respect of day-to-day comfort. I thus devised an automatic winding mechanical movement with a large power-reserve that could incorporate many future complications within the same volume.” Though no stranger to horological challenges, what is particularly incredible about the Octa is the foresight of its creator in creating an adaptable movement and case. It displays Journe’s confidence in the longevity of his own brand, and his technological aptitude.

While at first, the watch looks like a “typical” early Octa Automatique, when the watch is flipped over and the movement revealed, it becomes clear that this watch is far from ordinary. The early rhodium-plated brass movement is exciting enough, but with an engraving on the edge of the caseback that says “No. Proto / 00A”. Three of these prototypes were produced, of which two – including this one – are known to the public, and were given to three longstanding members of the board of F.P. Journe. The other example has a more “matte” dial, while the dial of the present watch is fitted with the subtly luminescent, grained gold dial and bright, sparkling timekeeping dial that experienced Journe collectors adore. An innovative watch given to those who believed in Journe from the beginning by one of the most innovative watchmakers of our time, the present lot is truly an exciting opportunity not to be missed.