The earliest works of Franois-Paul Journe effortlessly blend traditional 19th-century watchmaking with modern haute-horology. Housed in a classic 38mm rose gold case that has since been discontinued, this Octa Calendrier* features an annual calendar with a large date, as well as the hallmarks of Journe's signature style.

Since the introduction of the first Rserve 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). 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. Journes entire Octa collection are identical, both in diameter and thickness. The Octa Calendrier was the first wristwatch to integrate an annual calendar with a large date, and to feature a power reserve of more than 120 hours.

This rose gold Octa Calendrier is quintessentially F. P. Journe. Housed in a classical 38 mm dress watch case, it bears F. P. Journes signature flat crown with a rope-like pattern. The light grey dial is delicately textured and displays a separate silver guilloch dial for the hours and minutes. The words Invenit et Fecit are inscribed below the two subsidiary seconds - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. To the left of the dial, the date is displayed on an arc which extends around the circumference of the dial, with a blued hand pointing to the correct date. Meanwhile, the day and month are shown through two apertures, which feature a white background and black text, for legibility. The date automatically advances for months with 29, 30 and 31 days. Overall, the dial layout is clean and highly legible.

This automatic, self-winding F. P. Journe calibre 1300.3 movement is made of solid 18k rose gold, with Ctes de Genve, constructed with 39 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-centre unidirectional 22-carat gold guilloche rotor. The movement is engraved "Exclusive Power Reserve System" and "Precision Chronometer".

If sold within the United Kingdom, this F. P. Journe Octa Calendrier will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This F. P. Journe Octa Calendrier is in very good overall condition. The case and lugs show very light superficial marks throughout, and only visible under magnification. The dial and hands are free from any signs of imperfections. The movement has very small particles on the inside of the glass, however it performs well and keeps adequate time. A service would be recommended in the next 1224 months.

Warranty

The watch is offered with a complimentary service byF. P. Journe. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity fromA Collected Man.