The history
The earliest works of François-Paul Journe, effortlessly blend traditional 19th-century watchmaking with modern haute-horology. The Octa movement was introduced in 2001, becoming only the third developed by brand (after the Tourbillion and Resonance) and the first automatic mechanism to deliver 120 hours of precision timekeeping, through reserved-power.
A year later, the Octa Réserve de Marche became F.P. Journe’s first automatic watch, produced between 2002 and 2014, with an estimated total number of only 700-800 cases known. During this time, the overall layout saw no real change except for dial texture and colours, thus making this 40 mm F.P. Journe Octa Automatique Réserve de Marche one of a limited number of examples that resemble the original, inspired design.
Black Label
The Black Label Collection was created exclusively for existing F. P Journe clients, with each of the models within the series distinguished by their platinum cases and black lacquer dials - the latter, seen only in the Black Label Collection and Boutique Edition. Only twelve pieces are received by the boutiques in any year, with just two pieces for each model in the collection.
The movement
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 be divided into two main movement types – the manually-wound Souverain and automatic Octa (Latin for "eight" or "infinite"). 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.
In 2004, Journe switched to manufacturing movements from 18-carat gold, having developed the brand sufficiently to further the manufacturing process and move away from brass. With this introduction, all existing movements were issued with new caliber codes. In the case of the Octa Series, this caliber was referred to as 1300-2, before receiving a further update as 1300-3; indicating the third version of the movement. The 1300.3 marked the switch from bi-directional to uni-directional winding, introducing a new ball-beating system to increase winding efficiency. We recommend reading more about this in the The Journe Guy’s in-depth study.
This automatic, self-winding F.P. Journe caliber 1300.3 movement is 18-carat rose gold, with Côtes de Genève embellishments, constructed with 37 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 off-center uni-directional 22-carat gold guilloche rotor. The movement is engraved "Exclusive Power Reserve System" and "Precision Chronometer".
The design
The Octa Réserve de Marche is quintessentially an F.P Journe, in both its design language and movement. Housed within a 40mm case, it is made distinctive by F.P. Journe’s signature flat crown with a rope-like pattern. Unlike the standard Octa series, the dial of the Black Label edition features a deep, glossy finish, creating a strong contrast between the separate silver guilloché dial for the hours and minutes. The words ‘Invenit et Fecit’ are inscribed to the left the subsidiary seconds (Latin for “Invented and Made”) in classic F.P Journe style - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. The signature F.P. Journe style hands are blued for the hours, minutes and sub-seconds. 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.
The set
This 40mm platinum F. P. Journe Black Label Octa Réserve de Marche watch is in excellent condition, fitted to one of our Helsinki straps with curved-ends, measuring 20 x 19mm. The set also includes the original inner- and outer boxes, the manufacture's Black Label Certificate and the alligator strap from F. P. Journe.
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