F.P. Journe

Launched in 2001 and produced until 2008, the F.P. Journe Octa Chronographe was the very first wristwatch chronograph to feature a large date display and a fly-back chronograph with a 120-hour power reserve. It is one of the firm’s earliest designs, combining F.P. Journe’s signature offset time indication and adding a chronograph minutes counter giving the dial greater symmetry in his inimitable style.

The present and original owner of Octa Chronographe no. 41-02C ordered his watch through La Pendulerie in Paris in 2001, shortly following the model’s launch earlier that year. La Pendulerie carried the distinction of the sole Retail Agent for F.P. Journe in France. The watch was delivered in July 2002 and may have been one of the first Octa Chronographe watches sold by La Pendulerie and possibly the first sold in France.

La Pendulerie was an Antiques and Clock shop known for the skillful restoration abilities of M.J. Journe who was a talented restorer of complicated timepieces and Francois Paul Journe’s uncle. It was here that Francois Paul Journe was introduced to George Daniels and exposed to the genius of Abraham Louis Breguet all which would eventually him inspire him create his own designs.

When the owner received his Journe No.41-02C in 2002, he was disappointed to see that the sub dials did not have the raised cross hatched design which he observed in the promotional material. Nevertheless he was delighted with his purchase. In 2003 the watch was sent to F.P. Journe for a service at which time the owner inquired about the dial design. Journe, advised that this type of dial treatment was never used for the Octa Chronographe but was specially reserved for the Résonance, the Tourbillon, and the Réserve de Marche models. Journe agreed to change the dial and refitted it with the present dial, dressed with Clous de Paris, crosshatching with elevated relief.

Whether the Clous de Paris decoration was later adopted for use in future Octa chronographs is unknown, however the attractiveness of this watch enhanced with what may be one of the earliest and possibly the only Clous de Paris Octa Chronographe dials is a true rarity and presents the connoisseur of F.P. Journe with a rare opportunity to secure a true rarity. The watch is offered in excellent condition and is the first time it has come to the market.

Accompanied by correspondence dated September and November 2003 between the watches' owner and Montre Journe S.A. regarding the customization of the dial for this watch.