François-Paul Journe is a modern watchmaker who brings technical skill and innovation to wristwatches that are classically designed but have a contemporary aesthetic. Journe’s company was established in 1999, and follows the motto “Invenit et Fecit” or “[He] invented it”, an indication the brand’s timepieces are fully designed and produced in house. F. P. Journe introduced his first wristwatch, the Tourbillon Souverain, in 1999, and shortly thereafter followed with the revolutionary Chronométre à Résonance and the Octa Automatique. Believed to have been first conceived on a napkin in 1994, these three seminal pieces were available in a 38mm case and were fitted with 18K gold dials. Since its inception, the brand has continued to bring master craftsmanship, and cutting edge movements to the market with upgrades to current movements. The caliber 1300 of the “Octa” models featured a seven day power reserve, but were advertised as a 120 hour (5 days) chronometer, since past that duration the linear energy flow needed for chronometry is not mechanically guaranteed.
The Octa Chronograph was the world’s first automatic fly-back chronometer chronograph with oversized date window. The model was also the first Journe model to be discontinued, when it was replaced by the Centigraphe Souverain chronograph in 2007. Produced in two series, the first with the caliber 1300 with brass movement, and the second like the present model, caliber 1300.2 with 18K gold movement, is a wonderful, modern interpretation of the chronograph. The asymmetrical dial, with large time indication to the right side of the dial, is offset by the smaller 60 minute dial to the left side.

In stunning original condition and in our view never polished, the watch is fresh to the market and remains complete with its original certificate, and presentation box. An extremely rare configuration with its 38mm rose gold case, rose gold movement, and mesmerizing pink gold dial, just 18 examples were produced according to scholarship. Over the past few years, demand for F.P. Journe’s timepieces has grown as more collectors recognize the importance of the brand’s exceptional timepieces. The present lot, having recently completed a full factory service at F.P.Journe, is a wonderful example of a rare and discontinued model, presenting an outstanding opportunity for the connoisseur.