Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2004 Case No: No. 083-04Q Model Name: Octa Calandrier Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300, 39 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by undated F.P. Journe Certificate of Authenticity and Warranty card, product literature, additional strap, polishing cloth, inner presentation box, and outer box.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1999 as an automatic date/time/power reserve model, F.P.Journe’s Octa would eventually evolve into eight separate models (a feat of ingenuity in itself, when one considers the case design remained the same), among them the present Octa Calendrier as well as the Octa Réserve de Marche and Octa Chronograph. Discontinued in 2004 and replaced with a fully 18K pink gold movement, the present Octa Calendrier features a rare 38mm platinum case with an early brass automatic movement and vibrant yellow gold dial.
One of the first models introduced in the Octa series, the Octa Calendrier features an annual calendar complication with retrograde-style date sector, presented in the firm’s iconic asymmetrical dial layout. Fitted with a 22 karat gold off-centered rotor, this feature enables a higher efficiency of self-winding. The watch has a contemporary look, with unequivocal signs of traditional watchmaking with iconic blued steel hands, and guilloché engraving on the main dial.
The present F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier in platinum from approximately 2004 with a sought-after yellow gold dial is offered here for the first time at auction with its original set of accessories. With a substantial surge in demand for F.P. Journe timepieces today, this is a great opportunity for collectors to acquire a discontinued example of one of the most iconic models manufactured by the firm.
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.