Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2010 Case No: 082-D Model Name: Octa Divine Material: Platinum and diamond Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300-2, 32 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum and diamond-set F. P. Journe buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Since its inception, the F. P. Journe brand has been known for exemplary workmanship and technical innovation with a desire to create a collection of watches that satisfies all types of collectors. Journe has sought to “do it better” than before, and his high-performance wristwatches such as the Chronomètre à Résonance with remontoir are cherished for their accuracy and intricate hand craftmanship. In 2001, Journe sought to create a modern movement that was both practical and capable of a high degree of precision, thus was born the “Octa” movement. The automatic winding, chronometer movement featured a five-day power reserve, a 22K gold winding weight that rotates with the slightest movement of the wrist, and a traditional vibration rate of 21,600 beats per hour. The goal was to create a versatile movement that could be amended to include a large date indicator, fly-back chronograph, or annual calendar. Since then, the brand has introduced a variety of “Octa” models from the Reserve de Marche introduced in 2001, to the Octa Lune, Octa Calendrier, and like the present watch, the Octa Divine.
The Divine was the first model in F. P. Journe’s Jewellery Collection. It was produced from 2003 to 2021, and available with three different diamond settings. The watch was made for feminine clientele seeking both a mechanical marvel and an elegant jewellery piece. The Journe aesthetic is unmistakable, with a pavé-set diamond dial with large date aperture, power reserve, subsidiary seconds and moonphase. The chapter ring is polished, and the case bezel and lugs are beautifully pavé set as well.
Consigned by the original owner, the present model is well-preserved. In the Divine, Journe has achieved success with a classic design and innovative movement that is elegant and a delight to wear.
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.