Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2012 Case No: 587 - ARS Model Name: Octa Automatique Réserve Sport Indy 500 Material: Blackened Aluminum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300.3, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black F.P. Journe rubber strap, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Aluminum F.P. Journe double folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity confirming production of this watch as a limited edition of 99 pieces and a polishing cloth Literature: F.P Journe Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Grosz is dedicated to Journe and his oeuvre.
Catalogue Essay
F.P. Journe whose creations embody the glory of 18th century watchmaking took the horological world by surprise when in 2011 he introduced a “Sports “ line of models in ultra-light aluminum cases and as the names implied a more sporty dial configuration and colors. According to Journe the collection was inspired by an important collector of the brand, himself a dedicated sportsman, looking for an ultra-light sports watch with a haute horlogerie movement.
The present watch is part of an ultra-limited run of only 99 watches made in 2012 (from numbers 501-599) to celebrate the famed Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi’s participation in the Indianapolis 500 Miles race. Made in blackened aluminum, 29 pieces featured the Indy 500, Lotus and Jean Alesi logos on the dial whereas the other 70, like the present lot did not.
Featuring large luminescent Arabic numerals, power reserve indicator, large date and day/night indicator the red elements give the watch a definitely active look. Impressively not only is the case made of ultra-light blackened aluminum but even more surprisingly the movement as well, the latter finished beautifully with polished angles and Geneva waves. An amazing technical feat leading to the fact that the watch weights less than 55 grams…strap included!
The present Octa Automatique Réserve Sport Indy 500 features all the elements one can expect from Journe and so much more, it is elegant, resolutely contemporary with an impeccably designed and finished movement in a material rarely- if ever seen in contemporary watchmaking.
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.
A fine blackened aluminum limited edition wristwatch with date, power reserve and day and night indicator, made to commemorate Jean Alesi's participation in the Indianapolis 500 in 2012
2012 42mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed