F.P. Journe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2012
    Case No: 587 - ARS
    Model Name: Octa Automatique Réserve Sport Indy 500
    Material: Blackened Aluminum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300.3, 40 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Black F.P. Journe rubber strap, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Aluminum F.P. Journe double folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity confirming production of this watch as a limited edition of 99 pieces and a polishing cloth
    Literature: F.P Journe Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Grosz is dedicated to Journe and his oeuvre.

  • Catalogue Essay

    F.P. Journe whose creations embody the glory of 18th century watchmaking took the horological world by surprise when in 2011 he introduced a “Sports “ line of models in ultra-light aluminum cases and as the names implied a more sporty dial configuration and colors. According to Journe the collection was inspired by an important collector of the brand, himself a dedicated sportsman, looking for an ultra-light sports watch with a haute horlogerie movement.

    The present watch is part of an ultra-limited run of only 99 watches made in 2012 (from numbers 501-599) to celebrate the famed Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi’s participation in the Indianapolis 500 Miles race. Made in blackened aluminum, 29 pieces featured the Indy 500, Lotus and Jean Alesi logos on the dial whereas the other 70, like the present lot did not.

    Featuring large luminescent Arabic numerals, power reserve indicator, large date and day/night indicator the red elements give the watch a definitely active look. Impressively not only is the case made of ultra-light blackened aluminum but even more surprisingly the movement as well, the latter finished beautifully with polished angles and Geneva waves. An amazing technical feat leading to the fact that the watch weights less than 55 grams…strap included!

    The present Octa Automatique Réserve Sport Indy 500 features all the elements one can expect from Journe and so much more, it is elegant, resolutely contemporary with an impeccably designed and finished movement in a material rarely- if ever seen in contemporary watchmaking.

  • 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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98

A fine blackened aluminum limited edition wristwatch with date, power reserve and day and night indicator, made to commemorate Jean Alesi's participation in the Indianapolis 500 in 2012

2012
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,900-23,200
$16,400-27,300

Sold for CHF37,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020