F.P. Journe - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2003
    Case No: No. 016-03A
    Model Name: Octa Réserve de Marche
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300, 32 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F. P. Journe buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by F. P. Journe Authenticity Certificate dated May 29, 2017 confirming production of the present watch in 38mm diameter with brass movement.

  • Catalogue Essay

    When F. P. Journe released his first masterpiece, the Tourbillon Sourverain in 1999, he established himself as a skilled watchmaker with a noble focus on timekeeping precision who was inspired by horology’s traditional past, while offering watches with a 21st century sensibility. Journe’s journey to stardom began following graduation from the École d’Horlogerie de Paris in 1976, and his early work on conserving and preserving important 18th century pocket watches and clocks honed his craft. This early experience taught him to fabricate parts he was unable to find, using modern techniques on timepieces from the past. By the end of the 20th century, and following his career with Patek Philippe, he was ready to establish his own workshop, and while his first timepieces were pocket watches, his wristwatches today are horological works of art.

    Following the release of the Tourbillon Sourverain, he introduced his revolutionary Chronométre à Résonance (2000) and the quintessential Octa Réserve de Marche Automatique (2001) models – the original trio of timepieces that launched the brand. Highly sought after for their signature aesthetic and distinctiveness, Journe’s earliest timepieces produced from 1999 to 2004 would use rhodium-plated brass movements. Before switching to full rose gold movements in 2004, it’s believed only approximately 2000 Journe timepieces were made with brass movements across all models.

    The Octa Réserve de Marche was Journe’s first automatic wristwatch, and was in production until 2014. The present example, with serial number 016, is an exceptionally early first generation model with a coveted brass movement. Octa models were initially offered in either platinum or 18 karat rose gold with a superbly-proportioned, 38 mm case diameter. Inside ticks Journe’s innovative, in-house caliber 1300 featuring an offset 22K winding rotor, and a high-quality, free sprung escapement oscillating at a classic 21,600 beats per hour. A precision chronometer as indicated on the movement’s engraved bridge, it was the first self-winding movement to provide 120 hours of power reserve. The yellow gold dial is asymmetric, with the time displayed within a framed sub-dial on the right of the dial, however the eye is drawn to the left side with the power reserve indicator and oversized date apertures. Highly legible and balanced, the design aesthetic is pure F. P. Journe.

    Fresh-to-the-market and consigned by a prominent collector, it’s one of the earliest Octa Reserve de Marche examples ever to appear publicly. Featuring all of the signature characteristics of coveted by Journe enthusiasts – a 38 mm case, yellow gold dial, and brass movement, combined with its exceptional state of preservation, it’s a wonderful example for the connoisseur.

  • Artist Biography

    F.P. Journe

    Swiss • 1999

    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.

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Σ42

A rare, early and attractive platinum wristwatch with eccentric time display, large date aperture and power reserve with brass movement and gold dial

2003
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF27,500-55,000
€25,400-50,900
HK$233,000-465,000

Sold for $138,600

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020