F.P. Journe - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2000
    Case No: No. Proto / 00A
    Model Name: Octa Réserve de Marche
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Certificate of authenticity signed by François-Paul Journe.
    Literature: François-Paul Journe and his watches are illustrated in F.P Journe, Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Gros.

  • 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 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.

  • 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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Σ73

An extremely rare, very early, and exceptional platinum automatic wristwatch with asymmetric hour and minute display, large date aperture, and power reserve, with gold dial and brass movement

2000
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF29,800-59,700
€27,200-54,400
HK$235,000-469,000

Sold for $250,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019