F.P. Journe

Produced exclusively between 2004 and 2007, the all-platinum F.P. Journe Octa Zodiaque is perhaps one of the most highly coveted watches in the brand’s repertoire. A limited edition collection, the brand released only 150 examples of the Octa Zodiaque—the present watch, as marked on the caseback, is piece 149 of 150. Aesthetically speaking, the Octa Zodiaque brings to the table a highly archetypical F.P. Journe look. Featuring a 40 mm platinum dress watch case, the brand’s signature flat crown and a slate grey dial, the watch exudes an air of timeless class. Functionally speaking, the dial displays an outer chapter communicating both the month and its corresponding Zodiac sign—alluding to the name of the collection. The outer circle moves reliably each day and is driven by a large date system located at the 12 o’clock position. Sitting between 8 and 9 o’clock is a power reserve indicator of 120 hours with a highly legible date aperture propped directly above.

While the dial design is undoubtedly attractive, the interest and attention are actually more so directed towards the movement. As the first automatic movement to deliver up to 120 hours of ultra-precise timekeeping through reserved power, the launch of the Octa in 2001 was a huge feat for F.P. Journe. Looking through the exhibition caseback, one may see that the movement of the present watch is rhodium plated brass—an indicator of the watch being an earlier-produced example, and an indicator of just how valuable the current piece is, for there exists only approximately 2000 brass movements across all model lines. A watch that effortlessly blends the best of form and function, the Octa Zodiaque is a physical snippet of F.P. Journe’s history, a highly rare treasure, and in essence, the perfect dress watch.