Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2005 Case No: No. 538-A Model Name: Octa Auto Réserve de Marche Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1300.2, 22 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by polishing cloth, fitted presentation box, and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The Octa Réserve de Marche is part of Journe’s founding models along with his signature Chronomètre à Resonance and Tourbillon Souverain.
Journe’s objective with the automatic caliber 1300 was to offer a movement with 5-day power reserve in which he could add extra complications without modifying its size, which would remain at 30mm in diameter and 5.5mm thick for all complicated variants.
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 and chronometric precision.
The Octa Réserve de Marche features all of Journe’s signature elements that collectors have come to love: a gold dial with offset time indication on the right, a power reserve indicator covering a large part of the left section of the dial, and a large date. Highly legible and balanced, the design aesthetic is pure F.P. Journe.
The Octa Réserve de Marche was made between 2001 and 2005 in a 38mm case. Whereas models made between 2001 and 2004 had brass movements, the later versions had pink gold calibers – a first for the industry. The present Octa Réserve de Marche in platinum is part of the ultra-rare examples with a 38mm case but with a pink gold movement, and its rarity is further amplified by the unusual combination of a platinum case and rose gold dial.
Rarity, the state of preservation, and its status as part of one of the most iconic of contemporary watch designs gives this Réserve de Marche the status of the ultra-collectible.
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.
An extremely rare, early, and highly attractive platinum wristwatch with eccentric time display, oversized date aperture, power reserve, and presentation box
Circa 2005 38mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.