F.P. Journe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: Circa 2005
    Case No: 52/99-02C
    Model Name: Octa Chronographe, Ruthenium Collection
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300, 32 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold and platinum F.P. Journe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe certificate stamped Les Ambassadeurs SA Switzerland dated 15th February 2005, instruction manual, cloth, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Made between 2002 and 2005, the F.P. Journe Ruthenium Collection comprises five early brass movement timepieces with each released as a limited edition of 99 pieces. Among these, the Octa Chronographe stands out as a particularly special piece, being the world's first automatic flyback chronometer chronograph with an oversized date window. It also features a larger 40mm case diameter, deviating from the traditional 38mm size of most of its predecessors, giving it a more modern appeal and presence on the wrist.

    Ruthenium, though uncommon in watchmaking, is a rare inert metal closely related to the platinum family in the periodic table. It is highly valued in aerospace engineering for its natural resistance to oxidation and exceptional hardness. In the Ruthenium Collection, the brass movements of each timepiece are fully coated with a light-absorbing ruthenium coating. Similarly, the white gold dial is specially coated with the same treatment, while still preserving the remarkable sheen and luster found in F.P. Journe's early solid gold dials. These dials often exhibit beautiful variations of patina, and in the case of the Ruthenium Collection, the tarnish-free darkness of the ruthenium coating enhances the glimmer of the underlying gold dial.

    The present Octa Chronographe numbered 52 is in well-preserved overall condition and comes complete with its certificate and accessories. This adds to its desirability and makes it a highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of F.P. Journe watches.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ866

An exclusive, striking and rare limited edition platinum flyback chronograph wristwatch with date, ruthenium-coated dial and movement, certificate and presentation box, numbered 52 of a limited edition of 99 pieces

Circa 2005
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$700,000 - 1,400,000 
€83,800-168,000
$89,700-179,000

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024