The history

The earliest works of , effortlessly blend traditional 19th-century watchmaking with modern haute-horology. The Octamovementwas introduced in 2001, becoming only the third developed by brand (after the and ) and the first automatic mechanismto deliver 120 hours of precision timekeeping, through reserved-power.

A year later, the Octa Rserve de Marche became F.P. Journes first automatic watch, produced between 2002 and 2014, with an estimated total number of only 700-800 cases known. During this time, the overall layoutsaw no real change except for dial texture and colours, thus making this38 mmF.P. Journe Octa Automatique Rserve de Marche oneof a limited number of examplesthat represent theoriginal, inspired design.Furthermore, the classical 38 mm case is - sadly - no longer in production, making it even more coveted by collectors.

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 Marchein 2001, mechanical F. P Journe examples canbe divided into two main movement types the manually-wound Souverainand 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 Journes entire Octa collection are identical, both in diameter and thickness.

In 2004, switched to manufacturing movements from 18-carat gold, having developed the brand sufficiently to further the manufacturing process. Interestingly, it is Franois-Paul Journe's earliest brass-movement piecesthat command more interest from collectors. It is estimated that only 2000 brass movements were ever produced, across all lines, and were manufactured exclusively between 2001 and circa 2004. These earlier pieces are now highly-sought after, owing to their unique placement in the brand's history and rarity.

This self-winding F.P. Journe caliber 1300 movement is rhodium plated brass, with Ctes de Genve 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 off-center bi-directional 22-carat gold guilloche rotor. The movement is engraved "Exclusive Power Reserve System" and "Precision Chronometer".

The design

The Octa Rserve de Marcheis quintessentially an F.P Journe, in both its design language and movement. Housed in a classic 38mm case, it is made distinctive by a number of signature elementsthroughout. Though the dials of the Octa Rserve de Marche series show very little alteration throughout the brass movement period, some earlier examples carry a higher shimmer and texture. This particular solid gold dial has also turned a pinkish hue, displaying a unique patina through the process of oxidation. The 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 power reserve (Latin for Invented and Made or more literally 'Designed and built by F.P. Journe') in classicF.P. Journestyle - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. At nine oclock, a power reserve indicator of 120 hours is also shown.

Theset

This 38mm Octa Rserve de Marchewatch is very nicely preserved, fitted to one of our Zrichstraps with curved-ends, measuring . It's just the watch, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from F. P. Journe.

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Closer look