Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2017 Case No: 457-AL Model Name: Octa Lune Havane Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, inhouse caliber 1300.3 Bracelet/Strap: Alligator bund made by Attila Aszodi Clasp/Buckle: Platinum FP Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by FP Journe fitted box,Certificate of Authenticity, USB key and polishing cloth Literature: Francois-Paul Journe and his watches are illustrated in F.P Journe, Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Gros
Catalogue Essay
F.P. Journe presented the Octa collection in 2001, and it was at the time, and still remains, a technological feat. The automatic movements had a 120 hour power reserve and case size remained the same regardless of complications.
In 2007 in response to comments from some of his friends he decided to create a new caliber (Cal 1300.3) for the Octa to optimize winding, even for those with a very sedentary life, where even the slightest movement of the arm would put the rotor in motion and wind the watch.
Furthermore, to enhance legibility François-Paul Journe decided to offer the Octa Automatique and Octa Lune (moon in French), like the present watch, with centrally mounted hands as opposed to previous models who had an offset dial for the indication of time.
The present Octa Lune Havane, with its rich chocolate brown dial was only in production between 2016 and 2018 making it one of the rarest variants. The very original color was a special development of Journe’s own dialmakers, les Cadraniers de Genève, and is a mix of gold and ruthenium.
The beautiful “Havana brown” dial and platinum case are beautifully complemented by an absolutely stunning alligator bund style strap made by famed designer of leather goods Attila Aszodi. The result is nothing short of bombastic and it is very reassuring that even the ever-reserved Journe was impressed by the result.
Founded by watchmaker François-Paul Journe in 1999, the F.P. Journe brand is relatively young, but already is as highly regarded by collectors as many distinguished manufacturers with centuries-old heritage. In the minds of the world's savviest collectors, Journe is producing some of the finest wristwatches the market has ever seen. Mastering his craft from restoring historical timepieces, he was the first to create a wristwatch incorporating two escapements that benefit from the phenomenon of resonance — the Chronomètre à Résonance.
Key models include the Résonance, tourbillon wristwatches incorporating a remontoir and the limited edition Vagabondage series. Especially sought-after are his earliest "souscription" watches, made in 1999.