F.P. Journe

In 2004, François-Paul Journe ended the production of watches with movements traditionally made of brass with galvanic rhodium plating. Instead, since 2004, almost all of the brand's watches have been fitted with solid gold movements, which are produced without plating. Naturally, movements made of solid gold appear more valuable and desirable, especially as calibers of this type are a rarity in watchmaking. Nevertheless, collectors and connoisseurs of F.P.Journe watchmaking are showing an increasing interest in watches with brass movements that represent the early years of the brand. The total number of F.P.Journe watches with brass movements is estimated at around 2,000 pieces and generally attracts lively interest at auctions and on the aftermarket.

This Octa Réserve de Marche with a 38 mm case in 950 platinum, a matt textured main dial in white gold and an applied sub-dial in solid silver with Clous de Paris guilloché and fluting dates back to the early years of the brand and was produced in 2003. In 2001, F.P.Journe launched the Octa Réserve de Marche, the first watch in the Octa collection. This watch has a 38 mm case, the original size of the watches in the F.P.Journe collection, which, thanks to a thinner bezel compared to the later 40 mm models, shows off the magnificent dial to its best advantage. The two-tone dial features a guilloché sub-dial and Arabic numerals designed by François-Paul Journe himself. This gives the watch a unique character and an unconditional recognition value. The elegant, slim profile of the platinum case, the fine leather strap and the platinum buckle with engraved F.P.Journe logo are typical of the brand’s high-quality, classic wristwatches, which go perfectly with formal wear.

The Octa Réserve de Marche is an attractive opportunity for collectors and connoisseurs of F.P.Journe watchmaking to acquire a rare and highly sought-after first-generation F.P.Journe watch with automatic winding and brass movement. The Octa Réserve de Marche is the first member of the Octa collection, which, with its unique blend of polished platinum case and matt textured white gold dial with a unique soft grey tone, as well as the characteristic dial layout with Arabic numerals designed by François-Paul Journe himself and the unmistakable drop-shaped hands made of blued steel, represents a unique, memorable and instantly recognizable style of early F.P.Journe watchmaking, that undoubtedly contributes to the appeal of this watch.