F.P. Journe Octa Chronographe C

F.P. Journe

Manufacturer F.P. Journe Year 2001 Case No 021-01C Model Name Octa Chronographe "Straight Côtes de Genève" Material Platinum Calibre Automatic, cal. 1300, 32 jewels Bracelet/Strap Leather Clasp/Buckle Platinum, F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions 38mm diameter Signed Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories Accompanied by F.P. Journe Certificate of Authenticity card dated 1st February 2002 and stamped Journe SA in Geneva, product literature, fitted box and outer packaging. Good To Know: - Flyback Chronograph - One of 3 known examples in platinum, 38 mm case and brass movement with straight Cotes de Genève finish and shiny yellow gold dial - One of the very first Octa Chronographe wristwatches produced and delivered - Offered with F.P. Journe box and Certificate card The present 38 mm Octa Chronographe in platinum is not only one of only 3 known in this iteration but we believe that it is actually one of the very first delivered. The Octa Chronographe was launched in 2001 housing the automatic in-house caliber 1300. The very first examples of the movement used in the chronograph featured straight inline Côtes de Genève decoration; it is believed that 10 movements feature this element before Journe switched to the circular Côtes de Genève found in the following pieces. Furthermore, according to an article by Shawn Mehta from 2022 compiling production numbers, it is stated that only 3 models in a 38 mm case, brass movement, straight Côtes de Genève and yellow gold dial were produced. Adding an extra level of collectability is the fact that the watch is numbered 021/01. It is known that Journe reserved numbers 1–20 for the buyers of the original Tourbillon Souverain Souscription models, but these Souscription pieces were made at a later date in 2002/2003, meaning the present example bearing number 21 and delivered in 2001 is among the very first ever delivered. Launched at the beginning of François-Paul Journe’s career, the Octa Chronographe is one of the manufacture's rarest models. At the time of launch in 2001, it was the very first chronograph wristwatch with an automatic movement to feature a large date display and a flyback chronograph with an impressive 120-hour power reserve (a world record for a wristwatch at the time). Produced in two series, the first with the cal. 1300 with a brass movement like the present example and the second model, cal. 1300.2 with an 18k pink gold movement.