Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2003 Case No: No. 64/99-02A Model Name: Octa Automatique Jour et Nuit Ruthenium Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300, 32 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum and 18K white gold F.P. Journe deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe Certificate of Authenticity and Guarantee dated June 16th, 2003, confirming this watch belongs to the Ruthenium series, an unassociated appraisal dated 2020, Octa Automatique instruction manual, springbar tool, loupe, polishing cloth, and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
When F. P. Journe decided to switch to the use of 18 karat pink gold movements across his product line – an industry first - the 99 final pieces of the five Journe brass calibres in production were coated in ruthenium, an element known for its extreme hardness and chemical resistance. The same process was applied to the dials as well, and thus the "Ruthenium Series" was born.
The five watches that are part of the collection, beyond this model, are the Tourbillon Souverain, the Chronomètre à Résonance, the Octa Calendrier and the Octa Chronograph. All of these models are ruthenium coated counterparts to their brass peers. The present Octa Réserve de Marche Jour et Nuit model has however a different story to tell. It is the only model from the Ruthenium Series which is unique, without a brass movement or later rose gold movement counterpart. The cal. 1300, which powers it, is also present in the Octa Réserve de Marche, but without the day/night indicator: a detail present exclusively on the Ruthenium Series. It is unknown why Mr. Journe decided to upgrade exclusively cal. 1300, leaving the other four untouched. What is certain is the fact that this is the only F.P. Journe piece that is singular to the Ruthenium Series, therefore enormously amplifying the importance and collectability of this watch.
Enhancing its desirability, it is preserved in excellent condition with its original accessories, and numbered 64 of the limited edition of 99 pieces.
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.
An unusual, striking, and innovative limited edition platinum wristwatch with ruthenium-coated dial and movement, day/night indicator, date, guarantee, and presentation box
Circa 2003 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.