F.P. Journe Octa

F.P.Journe Octa Reserve De Marche Platinum 38mm

Basic Info Listing code : LJHNA4 Brand : F.P.Journe Model : Octa Movement : Automatic Case material : Platinum Bracelet material : Crocodile skin Year of production : 2008 Condition : Used (Very good) Scope of delivery : Original box, original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Price : 97,500 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Automatic Case Case material : Platinum Dial : Grey Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Crocodile skin Where to begin with F.P. Journe? Started by the man himself in 1999, Journe had previously spent quite a few years restoring and producing movements and also made a couple of pocket watches during that time. It took quite a few years before his brand went from something only a hardcore collector could understand to being appreciated by a more mainstream audience and today, he is considered by many as one of the most successful and important independent brands to have emerged. Offered here on the site today is an exceptional example of an important and early F.P. Journe reference: the Octa Réserve De Marche. It was among the earliest releases from the brand, having been introduced after the pioneering Tourbillon Souverain in 1999 and the Chronomètre à Résonance in 2000. Produced between 2001 and 2014 in multiple variants, the Octa Réserve de Marche is, like most F.P. Journe offerings, a relatively rare model to boot, with only an estimated total of 700-800 pieces ever made throughout its entire production run. It is powered by the in-house Octa Cal. 1300.3, F.P. Journe's first-ever automatic movement, which was crafted entirely in red gold—a notable distinction, as all F.P. Journe movements from 2004 onwards were made from gold. As expected, the movement also features exquisite Côtes de Genève finishing and offers an impressive 120-hour power reserve on a full wind. While many subsequent F.P. Journe models were based on the Cal. 1300.3, the Octa Réserve de Marche undoubtedly represents the purest iteration of them all. This is particularly evident in its dial layout, which is silvered and features a straightforward yet asymmetrical design: the power reserve indicator is positioned on the left, accompanied by a slightly off-centered, oversized double-disc date window aperture at 11:30. On the right, the time display is elegantly arranged in the form of a main sub-dial, with its minutes indicated in F.P. Journe’s signature serif Arabic numerals on the outer ring, which sits just above a Chemin de Fer-style minute track. The hours are positioned in the inner section and are complemented by an intricate guilloché pattern at its core. A smaller, overlapping sub-dial indicating the running seconds is located south of the main one. To tie everything together, all three hands in this section, including the one on the power reserve indicator, are crafted from thermally blued steel. Additionally, the watch is encased in a classic 38mm platinum 950 case—a size no longer in production, as current models are either 40mm or 42mm—making this example particularly coveted and highly sought after by collectors. I find the 38mm case variants to be exceptionally well-balanced, offering a slightly more ergonomic fit on the wrist. I believe it is important to highlight that F.P. Journe has managed to carve out an interesting niche within the realm of independent high horology by seamlessly blending traditional watchmaking elements with modern technology and a distinctly Journe aesthetic. Despite employing very traditional design elements like serif Arabic numerals, a knurled winding crown, and a standard round case, there is a certain magic in how he harmoniously combines these design elements to create an aesthetic that is unmistakably and uniquely F.P. Journe. When it comes to F.P. Journe timepieces, some effort and distinction are required to fully appreciate and comprehend the design nuances the brand brings to the table. However, when you do, you will come to understand why F.P. Journe is so well-loved by watch enthusiasts and collectors from all around the world. F.P. Journe’s motto, ‘Invenit et Fecit,’ which translates from Latin to ‘Invent and Create,’ speaks volumes about his horological works of art. For a small independent brand that makes fewer than 1,000 pieces a year, I tip my hat to F.P. Journe. CONDITION REPORT This F.P. Journe Octa Réserve de Marche is in excellent overall condition. There are some minor hairlines visible in the photography. It comes as a full set with its box, papers, and is in full working order. SPECS Brand: F.P. Journe Year: 2008 Model: Octa Réserve de Marche Material: Platinum 950 Case, Red Gold Movement Movement: F.P. Journe Cal. 1300.3, Self-Winding Case Dimensions: 38mm x 10mm (46.6mm Lug-to-Lug) Lug Width: 20mm Strap: F.P. Journe Navy Blue Alligator Leather Strap and Signed Platinum 950 Tang Buckle