F. P. Journe

Produced between 2001 and 2005, the Octa Reserve de Marche is significant in the repertoire of FP Journe. It was not only the first automatic wristwatch made by the independent watchmaker, but also the world's first automatic wristwatch to reach a power reserve of over 120 hours. Launched in 2001, the watch enjoyed a very short 3-year production period before changing to the pink gold movement which was eventually discontinued in 2014. The caliber 1300 created the basic foundation for Journe’s automatic movement, extending its legacy while creating the blueprint to be inherited by future complications.

The present lot is exceptionally rare and collectable amongst connoisseurs as it represents one of the earliest production models with rhodium plated brass movements. Between 1999 to 2004, F.P. Journe produced their watch movements in brass, before switching to pink gold. It is believed that there are only approximately 2000 across all models found to feature brass movement, making these early models highly sought after by watch collectors. The gold dial side of the watch is also equally impressive, offering a layout of asymmetrical beauty with the power reserve, big date and off centered hours and minutes, and has furthermore aged to develop an interesting texture and patina as normal for a neo-vintage timepiece.