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Lot Essay
The present F.P. Journe is an early and fantastic Octa Réserve de Marche timepiece with an extremely rare brass movement, and an understated stealthy platinum case. Further the dial is grey, adding to the monochromatic aesthetic of the timepiece. Numbered 200-02A, the watch was manufactured in 2002, the second year of production for the model. Excitingly for collectors, this low serial number watch displays traits unique to early watches made by Francois-Paul Journe. In particular, the movement is crafted from brass and features circulaire Côtes de Genève, a stark contrast to the 18k red gold movements that are synonymous with later and contemporary F.P. Journe watches.
The Octa Réserve de Marche has the distinction of being the first automatic model developed by F.P. Journe and the first mechanical movement with automatic winding to have a power reserve of over 120 hours.
F.P. Journe Brass Movements
In 2004, François-Paul Journe famously introduced the splendid movement calibers with baseplates and bridges made from solid 18 carat gold which have since become a ‘signature’ feature of almost all F.P. Journe watches to the present day. However, the timepieces manufactured before 2004 were fitted with brass movements finished with rhodium plating, there were also some special limited edition models made with ruthenium plated brass movements. Paradoxically, it is these early production and pre-production watches with brass movements that collectors have focused their attention and research. It is thought that between 2001 and 2004, only approximately 2000 brass movement watches were ever produced across all models. With the tremendous and continually growing interest in François-Paul Journe’s work, these early brass movement watches, a hugely important part of F.P. Journe’s history, are incredibly sought after and consequently are becoming ever more difficult to obtain.
The Octa Réserve de Marche has the distinction of being the first automatic model developed by F.P. Journe and the first mechanical movement with automatic winding to have a power reserve of over 120 hours.
F.P. Journe Brass Movements
In 2004, François-Paul Journe famously introduced the splendid movement calibers with baseplates and bridges made from solid 18 carat gold which have since become a ‘signature’ feature of almost all F.P. Journe watches to the present day. However, the timepieces manufactured before 2004 were fitted with brass movements finished with rhodium plating, there were also some special limited edition models made with ruthenium plated brass movements. Paradoxically, it is these early production and pre-production watches with brass movements that collectors have focused their attention and research. It is thought that between 2001 and 2004, only approximately 2000 brass movement watches were ever produced across all models. With the tremendous and continually growing interest in François-Paul Journe’s work, these early brass movement watches, a hugely important part of F.P. Journe’s history, are incredibly sought after and consequently are becoming ever more difficult to obtain.