The Octa collection is one of the earliest line of timepieces by F.P. Journe with all models from the collection featuring an in-house self-winding movement. In 2003, the firm released the Octa Jour et Nuit limited to 99 pieces for the prestigious Ruthenium Collection. While other models in the family were altered from existing models, the Octa Jour et Nuit was solely made only for the Ruthenium Collection, making it an unusually rare timepiece.

The Ruthenium Collection by F.P. Journe is one of their earliest limited edition series by the firm. Watches from the collection all feature a dial composed of ruthenium and its signature brass movement coated with the precious metal. A rare inert metal hailing from the platinum family, the extreme hardness and robust insensitivity to oxidation is a perfect material to implement on to timepieces. Traditionally used in electronics or aerospace engineering, ruthenium is rarely used in watches, making these limited edition timepieces a rare treat. While its characteristics of the rare metal are impressive, its aesthetics are certainly comparable boasting a gun metal gray sheen in various shades under different lighting.

Housed in a 40mm diameter platinum case, the asymmetrical dial layout is iconic to the Octa series with its main dial and small seconds on the right side, with a date window, power reserve indication and moon phases composing the left side of the ruthenium dial. A rare treat for discerned collectors of fine timepieces, the present example numbered 86 is accompanied by its original certificate and its presentation box.