In 2004, F.P. Journe began crafting movements from 18-carat gold, marking a significant evolution in the brand's overall production. Interestingly, it is François-Paul Journe's earlier brass-movement pieces that command the most attention from collectors, with only about 2,000 brass-movement examples estimated to have been produced across all collections.

The genius behind the Octa movement lies in its design, which incorporates enough space to house all sorts of complications within the same volume. With the Octa Zodiaque, Journe sought to create a graphic allusion to the stars, which have served as reference points for humanity in measuring time and have influenced countless beliefs.

Poetic in its design, the Octa Zodiaque captures all twelve zodiac signs at a glance on the wrist. Featuring a striking silver and slate grey gold dial, the periphery displays a sky chart divided into twelve equal parts, printed on a disc that advances one increment each day. This is driven by a large date system that indicates both the month and the zodiac sign at 12 o’clock.

Produced between 2004 and 2006, the model was issued in a limited edition of only 150 pieces in platinum. Notably, it is the first gentleman’s wristwatch from the brand to feature central blued hour and minute hands, and it stands out as one of the rare examples fitted with a brass movement instead of the more common pink gold counterparts found in the 40mm timepieces. Boasting a power reserve of 120 hours indicated on the dial, this particular example is numbered 93, making it a remarkable addition to any Journe collection.