In 2004,
Journe began manufacturing movements from 18-carat gold, having developed the brand sufficiently to further the manufacturing process. Interestingly, it is
François-Paul Journe's earliest brass-movement pieces which command more interest from collectors. It is estimated that only 2000 brass-movement examples were ever produced, across all lines, and were manufactured exclusively between 2001 and circa 2004. Brass-movement
F. P Journe pieces are highly-sought, owing to their unique placement in the brands history and exceptional rarity.
The
Octa Lune is quintessentially an
F.P Journe, in both its design language and movement. Housed in a classical 38 mm dress watch case, it is made distinctive by
F.P. Journe’s signature flat crown with a rope-like pattern. The white gold dial is delicately textured, and displays a separate silver guilloché dial for the hours and minutes. The words "Phases de Lune" are inscribed below the moon-phase indicator, along with "Invenit et Fecit" (Latin for “Invented and Made”) in the brand's classic style – the latter, a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. The signature
F.P. Journe style hands form a distinct contrast to the silver and grey dial. Between eight and nine o’clock is a power reserve indicator of 120 hours, with a large date aperture above. Overall, the dial layout is clean and highly legible.
While this piece is undeniably attractive, it is the movement that
F.P. Journe is famed for. Since the introduction of the first
Reserve de Marche in 2001, mechanical
F. P Journe examples can been divided into two main movement types – the manually-wound
Souverain and automatic
Octa (Latin for "eight" or "infinite"). In 2001, the
Octa debuted as the first automatic movement to deliver 120 hours of precision timekeeping through reserved-power. Each
Octa movement is designed to incorporate fully-integrated complications within the same volume. Impressively, all variations within
F. P Journe’s entire
Octa collection are identical, both in diameter and thickness.
This automatic, self-winding
F.P. Journe caliber 1300.3 movement is rhodium-plated brass, with fausses côtes embellishments, constructed with 32 jewels and a shock absorber mechanism. It further features a straight-line lever escapement, and monometallic 4-arm balance with 4 timing weights, adjusted to 5 positions. It includes a self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring, and an off-center bi-directional 22-carat gold guilloche rotor. The movement is engraved "Exclusive Power Reserve System" and "Precision Chronometer".
The earliest works of
François-Paul Journe, effortlessly blend traditional 19th-century watchmaking with modern haute-horology, in perfect harmony. Housed in a 38 mm platinum case, this
F.P. Journe Octa Lune is one of few pieces that represent its original, inspired design – the classic 38 mm case, since no longer in production. Monsieur Journe’s mastery is evident in the look, feel, and romance of his craftsmanship - inspired by his immediate works after graduation, restoring 18th and 19th century marine chronometers and pocket watches. These earlier, rarer pieces are being earmarked by discerning collectors as ‘the ones to buy’, with such effects beginning to impact auction results in remarkable fashion.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
